[Anatomical features concerning the spinal accessory nerve. Apropos of 106 dissections of the neck in cadavers]

Abstract

Surgical treatment of cervical metastases from head and neck cancer involves different techniques as a function of indication. An anatomical structure of major importance during this surgery is the spinal accessory nerve, and 106 dissections were performed to examine relations of this nerve with cervical plexus, jugular vein, sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle and mastoid tip. Interesting conclusions were drawn with regard to technical procedures of value to surgeons involved in cervicofacial cancerology.