Cervical spinal nerve 8

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The cervical spinal nerve 8 (C8) is a spinal nerve of the cervical segment of the spinal cord. It is one of the eight pairs of cervical spinal nerves, which are part of the peripheral nervous system.

Anatomy

Cervical spinal nerve 8 emerges from the spinal column between the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and the first thoracic vertebra (T1). Unlike the other cervical spinal nerves, which exit above their corresponding vertebrae, C8 exits below the C7 vertebra.

Function

C8 plays a crucial role in the innervation of the upper limb, particularly the hand and forearm. It contributes to the brachial plexus, specifically to the lower trunk of the brachial plexus, which further divides into the anterior and posterior divisions.

Clinical significance

Damage to the C8 nerve can result in neurological deficits such as weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the hand and forearm. Conditions such as cervical radiculopathy can affect the C8 nerve, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling in the areas innervated by this nerve.

See also

• Cervical spinal nerves
• Brachial plexus
• Peripheral nervous system
• Spinal cord