Subclavian nerve


The subclavian nerve or nerve to the subclavius is small branch of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus where C5 and C6 join. It contains axons derived from the ventral rami of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves. The subclavian nerve provides motor innervation to the subclavius muscle.

Branch forming accessory phrenic nerve

The subclavian nerve can variably give rise to a branch which innervates the diaphragm called the accessory phrenic nerve. The accessory phrenic nerve may rather branch from the ansa cervicalis. This nerve usually joins with the phrenic nerve before innervating the diaphragm.

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