Inferior cervical ganglion
The inferior cervical ganglion is one of the three cervical sympathetic ganglia. It is situated between the base of the transverse process of the last cervical vertebra and the neck of the first rib, on the medial side of the costocervical artery.
It is often united with the first thoracic ganglion to form the cervicothoracic ganglion (stellate ganglion).''''''
Anatomy
The inferior cervical ganglion is irregularly shaped. It is substantially larger than the middle cervical ganglion. As the sympathetic trunk curves posteriorly between the neck and thorax, this ganglion is oriented in a nearly anteroposterior axis.'The ganglion is presumed to represent the union of the cervical segmental sympathetic ganglia C7-C8 and the thoracic segmental sympathetic ganglia T1, but sometimes up to T4 as well - the T1 ganglion may or may not be separate to leave a distinct inferior cervical ganglion.' The gray rami communicantes of the inferior cervical ganglion join the cervical nerves C7-C8.
Relations
The ganglion is situated posterior to the commencement of the vertebral artery.''''''Communicating cords
The inferior cervical ganglion and middle cervical ganglion are connected by two or more highly variable cords. The posterior cord typically splits to surround the vertebral artery; the anterior cord loops around the subclavian artery, forming the ansa subclavia.''''''Branches
The inferior cervical ganglion gives off two branches:- The Inferior cardiac nerveoffsets to blood vessels form plexuses on the subclavian artery and its branches. The plexus on the vertebral artery is continued on to the basilar, posterior cerebral, and cerebellar arteries. The plexus on the inferior thyroid artery accompanies the artery to the thyroid gland, and communicates with the recurrent and external laryngeal nerves, with the superior cardiac nerve, and with the plexus on the common carotid artery.