White ramus communicans

White ramus communicans (labeled at center right)

The White Ramus Communicans is a structure in the nervous system that forms part of the autonomic nervous system. It is a short nerve branch that carries visceral motor and sensory information between the spinal cord and the sympathetic trunk.

Structure

The white ramus communicans is a branch of a spinal nerve immediately after it emerges from the spinal cord. It is called "white" because it is myelinated, which gives it a whitish appearance. The myelination allows for faster transmission of nerve signals.

Function

The white ramus communicans carries visceral motor (sympathetic preganglionic) fibers to the sympathetic trunk, and visceral sensory fibers from the sympathetic trunk to the spinal cord. These fibers are involved in the regulation of many body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the white ramus communicans can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and extent of the damage. These can include pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area, as well as problems with organ function.

See Also

• Grey ramus communicans
• Spinal nerve
• Sympathetic trunk