cervical loop


an·sa cer·vi·ca·'lis

[TA] a loop in the cervical plexus consisting of fibers from the first three cervical nerves. Fibers from a loop between the C1 and C2 spinal nerves accompany the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance, leaving it as the superior root of the ansa cervicalis. Fibers from a loop between the C2 and C3 spinal nerves form the inferior root of the ansa cervicalis. Most commonly the roots merge, forming the ansa cervicalis, which gives rise to branches innervating infrahyoid muscles. Synonym(s): cervical loop, loop of hypoglossal nerve

an·sa cer·vi·ca·lis

(an'să sĕr-vi-kā'lis) [TA] A loop in the cervical plexus consisting of fibers from the first three cervical nerves. Fibers from a loop between the C1 and C2 spinal nerves accompany the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance, leaving it as the superior root of the ansa cervicalis. Fibers from a loop between the C2 and C3 spinal nerves form the inferior root of the ansa cervicalis. Most commonly, the roots merge, forming the ansa cervicalis, which gives rise to branches innervating infrahyoid muscles.
Synonym(s): cervical loop.

cervical loop

The part of an enamel organ in which the inner enamel epithelium is continuous with the outer enamel epithelium. This establishes the limit of enamel formation and therefore represents the site of the cementoenamel junction. The cells of the cervical loop become Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, induce dentinogenesis, and determine the number, size, and shape of the tooth roots. See also: loop