Spinal nerves
Spinal nerves
Spinal nerves (pronunciation: /ˈspaɪnəl ˈnɝːvz/) are the nerves that emerge from the spinal cord. They are part of the peripheral nervous system and connect the central nervous system to the limbs and organs.
Etymology
The term "spinal" is derived from the Latin word "spina" meaning "thorn" or "backbone", and "nerves" from the Greek word "neuron" meaning "sinew" or "string".
Anatomy
There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, each corresponding to a segment of the vertebral column. They are named and numbered according to the region and level of the spinal cord from which they emerge. The spinal nerves are divided into:
- 8 pairs of cervical nerves (C1-C8)
- 12 pairs of thoracic nerves (T1-T12)
- 5 pairs of lumbar nerves (L1-L5)
- 5 pairs of sacral nerves (S1-S5)
- 1 pair of coccygeal nerves (Co1)
Each spinal nerve is connected to the spinal cord via two roots: the dorsal root and the ventral root. The dorsal root carries sensory information to the spinal cord, while the ventral root carries motor information from the spinal cord.
Function
Spinal nerves carry motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the body. They play a crucial role in the reflex arc, a neural pathway that controls an action reflex.
Related terms
- Dermatome: An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve.
- Myotome: A group of muscles primarily innervated by a single spinal nerve.
- Radiculopathy: A condition caused by compression, inflammation and/or injury to a spinal nerve root.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spinal nerves
- Wikipedia's article - Spinal nerves
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