Ramus of spinal nerve

Ramus of Spinal Nerve

Diagram of the distribution of the cutaneous branches of the posterior divisions of the spinal nerves. The larger figures correspond to the spinal nerves and the smaller ones to the cutaneous areas of the peripheral branches.

The Ramus of Spinal Nerve is a branch of a spinal nerve that carries both motor and sensory information. It is a part of the peripheral nervous system and plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

Structure

Each spinal nerve splits into two branches, known as rami, shortly after it exits the vertebral column. The two types of rami are the dorsal (posterior) ramus and the ventral (anterior) ramus.

Plan of the spinal cord with the spinal nerves labeled. The dorsal and ventral rami are visible.

Dorsal Ramus

The dorsal ramus carries information that supplies muscles and skin on the posterior surface of the body.

Ventral Ramus

The ventral ramus is larger and supplies muscles and skin on the lateral and anterior surfaces of the body.

Function

The rami of the spinal nerves are responsible for carrying motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the body. This includes signals for both voluntary and involuntary actions.

Clinical Significance

Damage or injury to the rami can result in a variety of neurological disorders, including radiculopathy, a condition characterized by pain, numbness, or weakness in the areas of the body served by the affected nerves.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Peripheral nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Radiculopathy