The spine contains 31 pairs of spinal nerves, categorized based on their location along the vertebral column. These nerves facilitate communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Spinal Nerve Categories
Here's a breakdown of the spinal nerve types:
- Cervical Nerves: There are 8 pairs (C1-C8) located in the neck region. These nerves control muscles and provide sensation to the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. The Anatomy reference mentions "eight cervical spinal nerve pairs".
- Thoracic Nerves: There are 12 pairs (T1-T12) located in the upper back. They innervate the chest, rib cage, and abdominal muscles. The Anatomy reference mentions "12 thoracic pairs".
- Lumbar Nerves: There are 5 pairs (L1-L5) located in the lower back. These nerves supply the lower abdomen, groin, hips, thighs, knees, and feet. The Anatomy reference mentions "five lumbar pairs".
- Sacral Nerves: There are 5 pairs (S1-S5) located in the sacrum. They provide sensation and motor function to the thighs, lower legs, feet, and the pelvic region, including bowel and bladder control. The Anatomy reference mentions "five sacral pairs".
- Coccygeal Nerve: There is 1 pair located in the coccyx (tailbone). This nerve serves a small area of skin in the tailbone region. The Anatomy reference mentions "one coccygeal pair".
Summary Table
| Nerve Type | Number of Pairs | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervical | 8 | Neck | Head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands |
| Thoracic | 12 | Upper Back | Chest, rib cage, abdominal muscles |
| Lumbar | 5 | Lower Back | Lower abdomen, groin, hips, thighs, knees, feet |
| Sacral | 5 | Sacrum | Thighs, lower legs, feet, pelvic region (bowel and bladder control) |
| Coccygeal | 1 | Coccyx (Tailbone) | Small area of skin in the tailbone region |
