Cardiac nerve

The cardiac nerves are a group of autonomic nerves that play a crucial role in the innervation of the heart. Their main function is to regulate heart rate, force of myocardial contraction, and the coronary blood flow. They consist of the following primary nerves:

• Superior cardiac nerve (nervus cardiacus cervicalis superior)
• Middle cardiac nerve (nervus cardiacus cervicalis medius)
• Inferior cardiac nerve (nervus cardiacus inferior)

Anatomical Associations

The cardiac nerves navigate through the root of the neck and are associated with several vital structures. These associations are essential for understanding surgical interventions and potential complications:

• Posterior: The cardiac nerves lie anterior to the prevertebral fascia, which overlies the anterolateral surface of the vertebral bodies.
• Superior: Positioned adjacent to the common carotid artery.
• Inferior: Running in close proximity to the subclavian artery.
• Laterally: They are located near the sympathetic trunk, an integral part of the autonomic nervous system.

Function

Being autonomic in nature, the cardiac nerves regulate involuntary functions of the heart. They modulate:

• Heart rate
• Contractile force of the heart muscles
• Coronary blood flow

These functions are pivotal for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health and responding to physiological changes and stresses.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the anatomy and function of the cardiac nerves is vital for medical professionals, especially those in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. Damage or disruption to these nerves during medical interventions could lead to arrhythmias or other cardiac complications.

See Also

• Autonomic nervous system
• Heart anatomy
• Sympathetic trunk
• Cardiac innervation