Abstract:

Objective   To study the blood supply source and style of accessory nerve to provide a reliable anatomical basis for transfer of the vascularized accessory nerve and the vascularized neuro-muscular compound skin flap.   Methods   15 fresh specimen underwent arterial perfusion of foam rubber and polyvinyl alcohol-oxidation bismuth and plain radiography  to study the external diameter of nutrient vessel of accessory nerve at its origin, the distance between the origin and the accessory nerve, the farthest distance from the accompany artery to accessory nerve, feature of blood supply of accessory nerve.   Results   The sources of blood supply of accessory nerve came from the occipital artery, superficial cervical artery,transverse cervical artery, dorsal scapular artery. External diameter of the stem of the r nutrient arteries of the accessory nerve at the origin was（1.5±0.5）mm,（2.3±0.2）mm,（2.1±0.3）mm,（1.8±0.5）mm, respectively. The distance from  the origin of the blood vessel to accessory nerve was（1.6±0.6）cm,（4.6±0.4）cm,（4.8±0.7）cm,（1.0±0.3）cm, respectively. The major blood vessels that traveled with the accessory nerve for（4.1±0.7）cm,（7.3±0.6）cm,（8.6±0.6）cm,（8.5±0.5）cm, sequentially.   Conclusions    The sources of blood supply of accessory nerve come from the occipital artery, superficial cervical artery, transverse cervical artery, dorsal scapular artery and they should be cautiously protected in  transfer of the vascularized accessory nerve.

Key words: Accessory nerve, Blood supply, Applied anatomy