Intermediate Phrenic Nerve Quiz

Q1. Where does the phrenic nerve typically form in the upper lateral neck?

• Within the thyroid gland
• At the mastoid process
• Near the lateral border of anterior scalene
• Inside the carotid artery

Q2. What is the relationship of the phrenic nerve to the brachial plexus in the scalene region?

• The phrenic nerve passes between middle and posterior scalene
• Both pass through the carotid sheath
• Both lie superficial to platysma
• Phrenic nerve is anterior to anterior scalene while the plexus passes posterior to it

Q3. How does the phrenic nerve usually enter the thorax relative to the subclavian vein?

• Through the lumen of the subclavian vein
• Posterior to the subclavian vein
• Inside the subclavian artery
• Anterior to the clavicle and skin

Q4. What is the usual relationship of the phrenic nerve to the subclavian artery near the thoracic inlet?

• Inside the artery
• Posterior to the vertebral column
• Anterior to the subclavian artery
• Through middle scalene with the artery

Q5. Which thoracic structure does each phrenic nerve pass anterior to?

• Spinal cord
• Esophageal hiatus
• Thoracic vertebral bodies only
• Root of the lung

Q6. Which sensory territory is supplied by the phrenic nerve?

• Skin of the lateral forearm
• Parotid gland only
• Fibrous pericardium and central diaphragmatic serosa
• Posterior scalp

Q7. Which nerve is closely related to the phrenic nerve during an interscalene brachial plexus block?

• Optic nerve in the orbit
• Lingual nerve in the floor of mouth
• Facial nerve at the stylomastoid foramen
• Phrenic nerve itself on anterior scalene

Q8. What is an accessory phrenic nerve?

• The left recurrent laryngeal nerve
• A terminal branch of the vagus to the stomach
• A sensory branch of the facial nerve
• A variable additional nerve that joins the main phrenic nerve

Q9. Which side of the diaphragm is supplied by the right phrenic nerve?

• Right hemidiaphragm
• Left hemidiaphragm only
• Pelvic diaphragm
• Both hemidiaphragms equally through one nerve

Q10. Why is the phrase C3, C4, C5 keeps the diaphragm alive anatomically useful?

• It identifies the roots of the facial nerve
• It links C3-C5 roots with phrenic motor supply to the diaphragm
• It refers to sympathetic supply of the lungs
• It describes the roots of the vagus nerve