Anterior branches of thoracic spinal nerves.
Intercostal spaces
In between human ribs are layers of intercostal muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that help support and protect the ribcage. Additionally, there is a thin layer of connective tissue called the intercostal membrane that separates each rib.
locate collar bone, right below is the first intercostal space then the second rib folows by second intercostal etc.
The spinal nerve is not a nerve plexus. Nerve plexuses are complex interwoven networks of nerves that form in the peripheral nervous system, whereas spinal nerves are the mixed nerves that emerge from the spinal cord and are not organized in a plexus-like fashion.
That is a good question. You have twelve intercostal nerves going between your ribs. They supply the intercostal muscles and carry back the sensations. You have the brachial plexus and lumbosacral plexuses. They are complicated as on today. But long back in evolution scale they were parallel. There complicated arrangement tells the the movement of muscle mass during evolution.
The Phrenic & Intercostal nerves.
The primary nerves involved in breathing are the phrenic nerve and the intercostal nerves. The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the main muscle involved in breathing, while the intercostal nerves control the muscles between the ribs that help with the mechanics of breathing.
The abdominal muscles are primarily innervated by the lower intercostal nerves, which originate from the thoracic spinal nerves. These nerves come together to form the lower thoracic intercostal nerves and the subcostal nerve, collectively contributing to the innervation of the abdominal muscles.
The nerves that carry activating impulses to the muscles of inspiration are primarily the phrenic nerves. These nerves originate from the cervical spinal cord (C3-C5) and innervate the diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration. Additionally, the intercostal nerves, which arise from the thoracic spinal nerves, stimulate the intercostal muscles that assist in expanding the thoracic cavity during inhalation. Together, these nerves coordinate the process of breathing.
The visceral pleura is innervated by autonomic nerves that travel with the bronchial blood vessels. The parietal pleura is innervated by somatic nerves, specifically the intercostal nerves and the phrenic nerve.
Plexuses primarily supply the limbs and certain body regions, with major examples being the brachial plexus for the upper limb, the lumbar plexus for the lower limb, and the sacral plexus also serving the lower limb and pelvic area. In contrast, intercostal nerves supply the thoracic wall, including the intercostal muscles, skin over the thorax, and parts of the abdominal wall. These nerves arise from the thoracic spinal nerves and do not form plexuses.
The intercostal nerves innervate the muscles and skin in the thoracic wall. Specifically, they provide motor innervation to the intercostal muscles, which are essential for breathing, and sensory innervation to the skin over the thorax and upper abdominal wall. Each intercostal nerve corresponds to a specific rib and supplies the area below it, extending from T1 to T11. The T12 nerve, known as the subcostal nerve, innervates the area below the 12th rib.
In the 6th intercostal space, important structures found include the internal mammary artery and vein, and the intercostal muscles and nerves. Additionally, in the left 6th intercostal space, the cardiac apex is located.
The major function of the phrenic nerves is to innervate the diaphragm, which is the primary muscle responsible for respiration. These nerves play a crucial role in controlling the movement of the diaphragm during breathing by sending signals from the brain to the diaphragm muscle. Dysfunction of the phrenic nerves can lead to respiratory issues and difficulty breathing.
Intercostal spaces
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In between human ribs are layers of intercostal muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that help support and protect the ribcage. Additionally, there is a thin layer of connective tissue called the intercostal membrane that separates each rib.