A patient presents with Horner's syndrome following a radical neck dissection. The surgeon likely injured the cervical sympathetic trunk. At which vertebral level is the superior cervical ganglion typically located?
- A C1-C2
- B C4-C5
- C C2-C3 ✓
- D C6-C7
Correct answer: C. C2-C3
Explanation
The superior cervical ganglion, the largest of the cervical sympathetic ganglia, is located at the B2-B3 vertebral level, anterior to the transverse processes and longus capitis muscle. The middle cervical ganglion is at B6, and the stellate ganglion is at B7-T1. Injury to any of these can cause Horner's syndrome.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.