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Abstract

Objective

To study the effect of the cervical plexus and the accessory nerve to the function of the trapezius muscle.

Study Design and Setting

Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. The neurotomies were performed in the left sides and the right sides served as within-subject controls. In group A, the accessory nerve was transected. The C2-5 were transected in group B, and both of the accessory nerve and C2-5 were cut in group C. The electrophysiologic, myophysiologic, and histologic changes of the muscles were measured.

Results

There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the three groups in the recovery rates of the transverse area of the muscles. The CMAP recorded from the experimental sides in group B were similar to the control sides. The values of the maximum tension of the tetanus contraction between the two sides showed no differences either (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The accessory nerve supplies the most important motor input to the trapezius. Motor innervations of the cervical plexus are not very significant.

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Innervation of the trapezius muscle: Is cervical contribution important to its function?

Abstract

Objective

Study Design and Setting

Results

Conclusion

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References