05/12/2025
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Cervical nerves roots & dermatomes
The cervical nerves are the eight pairs of spinal nerves (C1–C8) that originate from the cervical (neck) portion of the spinal cord. Although there are seven cervical vertebrae, there are eight cervical nerves because the first emerges above C1 and the last emerges below C7.
Overview of Cervical Nerves (C1–C8)
Number of nerves:
8 pairs (C1–C8)
Location:
Neck region, exiting between cervical vertebrae and extending into neck, shoulders, arms, and diaphragm.The cervical nerves are the eight pairs of spinal nerves (C1–C8) that originate from the cervical (neck) portion of the spinal cord. Although there are seven cervical vertebrae, there are eight cervical nerves because the first emerges above C1 and the last emerges below C7.
Overview of Cervical Nerves (C1–C8)
Number of nerves:
8 pairs (C1–C8)
Location:
Neck region, exiting between cervical vertebrae and extending into neck, shoulders, arms, and diaphragm.
Functions:
They provide motor and sensory innervation to:
Neck muscles and skin
Shoulders and upper back
Arms and hands
Diaphragm (via the phrenic nerve)
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Functions of Each Cervical Nerve
C1–C3
Control neck flexion and movement
Innervate some throat muscles (via cervical plexus)
Damage can seriously affect neck stability and breathing
C3–C5 — The Phrenic Nerve
“C3, 4, and 5 keep the diaphragm alive”
Critical for breathing
Injury can impair respiratory function
C5
Shoulder abduction (deltoid)
Elbow flexion (biceps)
C6
Wrist extension
Some biceps function
Sensation in thumb and index finger
C7
Elbow extension (triceps)
Wrist flexion
Sensation in middle finger
C8
Hand and finger flexion
Sensation in ring and little fingers
Clinical Relevance
Cervical nerve injury can cause:
Neck pain or stiffness
Shoulder/arm weakness
Numbness or tingling in hands or fingers
Breathing difficulties (if C3–C5 affected)
Paralysis depending on level of injury
A diagram-style description
Dermatomes (skin sensation areas for each nerve)
Myotomes (muscle actions for each nerve)
Common conditions (e.g., cervical radiculopathy)
Just tell me!