Nerve commonly injured in classical radical neck neck dissection is?
**Core Concept**
The classical radical neck dissection is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck, which can lead to injury to nearby nerves. The nerves in the neck play a crucial role in controlling various functions such as sensation, movement, and swallowing.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The ansa cervicalis, a nerve loop formed by the fusion of cervical nerve roots C1-C3, is commonly injured during a classical radical neck dissection. This nerve loop supplies the infrahyoid muscles, including the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and omohyoid muscles, which are often resected during the procedure. The ansa cervicalis is located in the neck, close to the lymph nodes and other tissues that are removed during the surgery, making it susceptible to injury.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) is also at risk during neck dissections, but it is not the nerve most commonly injured during a classical radical neck dissection. The accessory nerve is a longer nerve that extends from the cranial cavity to the neck and shoulder, whereas the ansa cervicalis is a shorter nerve loop that is more localized to the neck.
**Option B:** The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) is not typically injured during a classical radical neck dissection. The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the tongue and is located more medially in the neck, away from the surgical field.
**Option C:** The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is also not commonly injured during a classical radical neck dissection. The vagus nerve is a long nerve that extends from the cranial cavity to the abdomen and is responsible for controlling various functions such as swallowing, speech, and heart rate.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The ansa cervicalis is a nerve loop that is formed by the fusion of cervical nerve roots C1-C3. It is essential to identify and preserve this nerve during neck dissections to prevent postoperative weakness of the infrahyoid muscles.
**Correct Answer: C. Hypoglossal nerve is not the correct answer, however the actual answer is not provided in the options.