Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which area of the body do the cervical nerves primarily affect?

1. The scalp at the back of the head and neck

2. The forearms and hands

3. The chest

4. The feet

The correct answer is: The scalp at the back of the head and neck

The cervical nerves primarily affect the scalp and neck area, which includes various muscles and skin sensations in these regions. These nerves originate from the cervical spine, specifically from the first to the eighth cervical vertebrae (C1-C8). They innervate the muscles and skin of the neck, as well as parts of the head, particularly the back of the head. This is important for functions such as head and neck movement, as well as providing sensory feedback from these areas. Understanding the role of cervical nerves is crucial for estheticians, as they may need to consider the implications of nerve function during treatments, such as facial massages or skin care procedures that involve the neck and scalp regions. In contrast, the other areas mentioned—like the forearms and hands, chest, and feet—are primarily innervated by different nerve roots originating from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. Thus, they do not fall under the primary influence of the cervical nerves.