Posterior ramus of spinal nerve

Posterior Ramus of Spinal Nerve

The Posterior Ramus of Spinal Nerve (also known as the Dorsal Ramus) is a branch of a Spinal Nerve that supplies nerves to the joints, skin, and muscles of the human back.

The formation of the spinal nerve from the dorsal and ventral roots. (Dorsal ramus labeled at upper right.)

Anatomy

Each Spinal Nerve divides into a posterior and an anterior ramus. The posterior ramus is smaller than the anterior ramus, and it innervates the deep muscles and skin of the back. The posterior ramus carries both sensory and motor fibers.

Function

The posterior ramus of the spinal nerve provides segmental innervation to the skin and muscles of the human back. It carries sensory information from these areas to the Central Nervous System and motor commands back to the muscles.

Clinical Significance

Damage or irritation to the posterior ramus can lead to back pain or muscle weakness. This can occur due to various conditions such as Spinal Disc Herniation, Spinal Stenosis, or Spondylolisthesis.

See Also

• Spinal Nerve
• Anterior Ramus of Spinal Nerve
• Spinal Disc Herniation
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis