Nerve plexus

Nerve Plexus

A Nerve Plexus is a complex network of intersecting nerves. They are responsible for combining sets of spinal nerves that serve the same area of the body into one large grouped nerve. There are several major nerve plexuses in the body, including the cervical plexus, brachial plexus, lumbar plexus, and sacral plexus.

Anatomy

The nerve plexus is formed by the anterior rami of the spinal nerves, excluding the thoracic spinal nerves T2-T12, which form the intercostal nerves. Each plexus is responsible for providing motor and sensory functions to a specific region of the human body.

Cervical Plexus

The cervical plexus is located in the neck, formed by the anterior rami of the first four cervical spinal nerves (C1-C4). It supplies motor and sensory innervation to the skin and muscles of the neck and parts of the head and shoulders.

Brachial Plexus

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate in the neck and provide motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb. It is formed by the anterior rami of the fifth to eighth cervical spinal nerves and the first thoracic spinal nerve (C5-T1).

Lumbar Plexus

The lumbar plexus is located in the lower back, formed by the anterior rami of the first to fourth lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L4). It supplies motor and sensory innervation to the lower abdomen and parts of the lower limbs.

Sacral Plexus

The sacral plexus is located in the pelvis, formed by the anterior rami of the fourth and fifth lumbar spinal nerves and the first to fourth sacral spinal nerves (L4-S4). It supplies motor and sensory innervation to the buttocks, genitals, thighs, calves, and feet.

Clinical Significance

Damage or injury to a nerve plexus can lead to loss of motor or sensory function in the corresponding region of the body. This can result in conditions such as brachial plexus injury, lumbar plexus injury, or sacral plexus injury.

See Also

• Peripheral Nervous System
• Spinal Nerves
• Intercostal Nerves