branches

Last reviewed 01/2018

On each side, the middle cervical ganglion sends out several postganglionic branches:

  • somatic: grey rami communicantes to C5 and C6 spinal nerves
  • visceral:
    • middle cardiac branches which pass to the deep cardiac plexuses
    • 'vascular branches' pass along the outside of the subclavian and inferior thyroid arteries; the latter distributes fibres to the:
      • larynx
      • trachea
      • hypopharynx
      • superior oeosphagus