phrenic nerves

roots and course

  • C3-5
  • passes inferiorly over surface of anterior scalene within prevertebral fascia
  • through thoracic inlet lateral to trachea
  • L and R enter superior mediastinum lateral to vagus nerve on its respective side
  • passes anterior to lung roots on the side of the pericardial sac
  • passes through diaphragm with IVC
  • L and R basically mirror each other in course

important supply

  • Somatic: pleura (diaphragmatic and mediastinal); diaphragmatic peritoneum, fibrous pericardium
  • Motor: diaphragm

#incomplete #anatomy-thorax

Grays