The Cutaneous Cervical Plexus Nerves of the Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca Fascicularis), Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus Giganteus), and Koala (Phascolarctos Cinereus)

Abstract

The origin, course and distribution of the cutaneous nerves of the cervical plexus were examined in the crab-eating macaque (4 body-halves), the grey kangaroo (5 body-halves) and koala (3 body-halves). The cutaneous nerves, n. auricularis magnus, nn. supraclaviculares, n. transversus colli, and n. transversus cervicis, were recognized. Cranial and caudal branches were identified in the latter 2 nerves. Some intermediate, relatively small branches were recognized between these main nerves. The n. occipitalis minor was not recognized in all our specimens. Four segmental nerves, C2 to C5, gave rise to all the cutaneous nerves and branches of the cervical plexus described. However, between species there was some variation. In the crab-eating macaque the n. auricularis magnus and n. transversus colli tended to arise from a lower segment than in the grey kangaroo and koala. In the grey kangaroo the nn. supraclaviculares arose from a lower segment than in the crab-eating macaque and koala. © 1990, Editorial Board of Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica. All rights reserved.