Ventral ramus of spinal nerve

Ventral ramus of spinal nerve is a branch of a spinal nerve that supplies motor and sensory innervation to the anterior and lateral parts of the trunk and limbs. It is one of the two main branches of a spinal nerve, the other being the dorsal ramus.

Anatomy

The ventral ramus is larger than the dorsal ramus. It emerges from the spinal nerve after it has passed through the intervertebral foramen. The ventral rami of the spinal nerves from T1 to T12 are known as the intercostal nerves, as they run between the ribs to supply the intercostal muscles and the skin over the thorax. The ventral rami of the other spinal nerves form complex networks of nerves known as plexuses.

Function

The ventral ramus carries both motor and sensory fibers. The motor fibers innervate the skeletal muscles of the limbs and the anterior and lateral trunk. The sensory fibers carry information from the skin and muscles of these areas back to the central nervous system.

Clinical significance

Damage to the ventral ramus can result in loss of motor function, sensory function, or both in the areas supplied by the affected nerve. This can occur as a result of trauma, infection, or diseases such as neuropathy or multiple sclerosis.

See also

• Spinal nerve
• Dorsal ramus of spinal nerve
• Intercostal nerves
• Nerve plexus