The ansa cervicalis is a loop of nerves located in the neck that is part of the cervical plexus. It primarily consists of fibers from the first three cervical spinal nerves, specifically C1, C2, and C3. This structure plays a crucial role in innervating certain muscles in the neck, particularly the infrahyoid muscles, which are important for movements related to swallowing and speech. The infrahyoid muscles include the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid. These muscles help stabilize the hyoid bone and assist in lowering the larynx during swallowing. The ansa cervicalis ensures that these muscles receive the necessary nerve signals to function properly, contributing to essential activities like speaking and eating.