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Nerves of the Upper & Lower Limbs Flashcards

1
Q

What happens to spinal nerves almost immediately after emerging from their respective intervertebral foramina?

A

Spinal nerves divide almost immediately after emerging from their respective intervertebral foramina.

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2
Q

what structures do the anterior (ventral) rami innervate?

A

the anterior (ventral) rami innervate the anterolateral trunk and limbs

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3
Q

What are rami?

A

Rami are branches or extensions of nerves that arise from the main trunk of a nerve. They serve to distribute nerve fibers to various regions of the body.

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4
Q

What structures do the anterior (ventral) rami innervate?

A

The anterior (ventral) rami innervate the anterolateral trunk and limbs.

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5
Q

What structures do the posterior (dorsal) rami innervate?

A

The posterior (dorsal) rami innervate the posterior trunk.

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6
Q

What are the rami communicantes responsible for?

A

The rami communicantes contain autonomic neurons.

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7
Q

How many segments is the spinal cord divided into, and what arises from each segment?

A

The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments, each giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves that emerge from the vertebral canal via the intervertebral foramina.

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8
Q

What are the immediate branches of spinal nerves after emerging from the intervertebral foramina?

A

The immediate branches of spinal nerves are the anterior ramus, posterior (dorsal) ramus, and two rami communicantes.

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9
Q

What does the anterior ramus contain and what does it supply innervation to?

A

The anterior ramus contains axons that supply sensory or motor innervation to the anterolateral trunk and limbs.

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10
Q

What does the posterior (dorsal) ramus contain and what does it supply innervation to?

A

The posterior (dorsal) ramus contains axons that supply sensory and motor innervation to the posterior trunk.

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11
Q

What do the two rami communicantes contain and what are they associated with?

A

The two rami communicantes contain axons associated with the autonomic nervous system.

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12
Q

What are axons?

A

Axons are long, slender projections of neurons that conduct electrical impulses away from the neuron’s cell body. They transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

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13
Q

What do plexuses give rise to?

A

Plexuses give rise to the peripheral nerves that innervate many of the tissues and organs of the body.

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14
Q

What role do spinal nerves play in forming peripheral nerves?

A

Spinal nerves help to form multiple peripheral nerves.

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15
Q

How are peripheral nerves derived?

A

Peripheral nerves are derived from various combinations of spinal nerves.

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16
Q

What are peripheral nerves?

A

Peripheral nerves are bundles of nerve fibers (axons) that extend from the central nervous system to innervate the tissues and organs of the body outside the brain and spinal cord.

They transmit sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous system and motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

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17
Q

Do the anterior rami of the T2-T12 spinal nerves form plexuses?

A

No, the anterior rami of the T2-T12 spinal nerves do not form plexuses.

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18
Q

How do the anterior rami of the T2-T12 spinal nerves travel, and what structures do they supply?

A

The anterior rami of the T2-T12 spinal nerves travel through the intercostal spaces and supply the skin of the anterolateral trunk (sensory) and the intercostal muscles (motor).

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19
Q

In how many regions do the anterior rami of several spinal nerves branch and interconnect into a network of nerves called a plexus?

A

The anterior rami of several spinal nerves branch and interconnect into a network of nerves called a plexus in five regions.

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20
Q

What is the brachial plexus, and which spinal nerves contribute to its formation?

A

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves formed from the interconnecting branches of the anterior rami of the C5 – T1 spinal nerves.

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21
Q

What emerges from each plexus formed by the interconnecting branches of spinal nerves?

A

From each plexus formed, a series of peripheral nerves emerge that supply sensory and motor innervation to a specific region of the body.

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22
Q

How are peripheral nerves formed, and what do they consist of?

A

Axons within each spinal nerve help to form multiple peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are made up of axons from multiple spinal nerves.

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23
Q

How do axons within each spinal nerve help to form peripheral nerves?

A

Axons within each spinal nerve combine and interconnect to form peripheral nerves, which are bundles of nerve fibers that extend from the central nervous system to innervate various tissues and organs in the body.

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24
Q

What is a nerve fiber?

A

A nerve fiber, also known as an axon, is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron’s cell body. Nerve fibers are the basic structural units of nerves and are responsible for transmitting signals within the nervous system.

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25
Spinal nerve origins:
give rise to each plex
26
what is the sensory and motor innervation supplied by each plexus?
Distribution is the sensory and motor innervation supplied by each plexus
27
Distribution of cervical spinal nerve origin: C1-C5?
S: Head, neck, upper chest M: Anterior neck, diaphragm
28
Distribution of brachial spinal nerve origin: C5-T1
S: Upper limb M: Upper limb
29
Distribution of Lumbar spinal nerve origin: L1-L4
S: Abdomen, genitals, lower limb M: Abdomen, lower limb
30
Distribution of sacral spinal nerve origins: L4-S4
S: Genitals, lower limb M: Perineum, lower limb
31
Distribution of coccygeal spinal nerve origins: S4-CO1
S: Coccygeal region M: None
32
coccygeal spinal nerve origins
S4-Co1
33
sacral spinal nerve origins
L4-S4
34
Lumbar spinal nerve origins
L1-L4
35
brachial spinal nerve origins
C5-T1
36
Cervical spinal nerve origins:
C1-C5
37
how are cervical plexuses formed?
from the anterior rami of the C1-C5 spinal nerves
38
where do cervical plexuses lie?
Lies anterolateral to the levator scapulae and scalene muscles and deep to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
39
what do cervical plexuses give rise to?
peripheral nerves that provide sensory innervation to the head, neck and upper chest and motor innervation to the neck muscles and diaphragm
40
What is the mnemonic used to remember the innervation of the diaphragm by the phrenic nerves?
"C3-4-5 keeps the diaphragm alive."
41
Which cervical spinal nerves contribute to the formation of the phrenic nerves?
C3, C4, and C5.
42
Alongside which veins do the phrenic nerves descend as they enter the thorax?
The internal jugular veins.
43
What is the primary muscle innervated by the phrenic nerves?
The diaphragm.
44
How might injury or pressure on the phrenic nerves affect respiratory function?
It can lead to compromised breathing, reduced lung capacity, or even respiratory failure.
45
how is the brachial plexus formed?
from the anterior rami of the C5-T1 SPINAL NERVES
46
where does the brachial plexus pass over?
Passes over the first rib posterior to the clavicle and enters the upper limb
47
what does the brachial plexus give rise to?
Gives rise to the peripheral nerves that provide sensory and motor innervation to the UPPER LIMBS
48
What is a "stinger" or "burner" in the context of sports injuries?
It refers to the stretching or compression of the brachial plexus, often occurring in contact sports like football.
49
What are some common symptoms experienced after a stinger or burner injury?
Transient pain, numbness, and/or weakness in the upper limb(s).
50
Which anatomical structure is affected by a stinger or burner injury?
The brachial plexus.
51
what are the peripheral nerves of the brachial plexus?
Axillary nerve Musculocutaneous nerve Radial nerve Median nerve Ulnar nerve "Auntie Maggie Runs Many Miles Urgently"
52
What does the sensory innervation of each nerve refer to?
The region of skin whose sensory receptors transmit signals to the spinal cord via that nerve.
53
Axillary nerve sensory distribution
Skin of the upper lateral arm Skin of the upper posterior arm
54
Axillary nerve motor distribution:
deltoid teres minor
55
Musculocutaneous nerve sensory distribution
skin of the lateral forearm
56
musculocutaneous nerve motor distribution:
anterior arm muscles
57
musculocutaneous nerve compartment:
anterior arm
58
radial nerve sensory distribution:
Skin of the lower lateral arm Skin of the lower posterior arm Skin of the posterior forearm Skin of the posterolateral hand
59
radial nerve motor distribution:
posterior arm muscles posterior forearm muscles
60
compartments of the radial nerve:
posterior arm posterior forearm
61
sensory distribution of the median nerve:
skin of the anterolateral hand
62
motor distribution of the median nerve:
anterior forearm muscles hand muscles
63
how do sensory receptors of in the kin of the upper lateral and posterior arm transmit signals to the spinal cord?
VIA the axillary nerve.
64
What nerve is named due to its muscular component in the arm and cutaneous component in the forearm?
Musculocutaneous nerve.
65
What type of innervation does the muscular component of the musculocutaneous nerve provide?
Motor innervation to the muscles in the anterior compartment of the arm.
66
What type of innervation does the cutaneous component of the musculocutaneous nerve provide in the forearm?
Sensory innervation from the skin of the lateral forearm.
67
Is there a sensory component of the musculocutaneous nerve in the arm?
No, the musculocutaneous nerve does not have a sensory component in the arm.
68
Is there a motor component of the musculocutaneous nerve in the forearm?
No, the musculocutaneous nerve does not have a motor component in the forearm.
69
Most of the sensory innervation of the posterior upper limb is provided by this nerve.
radial nerve
70
Does the median nerve provide motor or sensory innervation to any structures in the arm?
No, the median nerve passes through the arm without providing motor or sensory innervation to any arm structures.
71
Where does the median nerve provide motor innervation?
It provides motor innervation to some of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the forearm and hand.
72
From which region does the median nerve provide sensory innervation?
The median nerve provides sensory innervation from the skin of the anterolateral hand.
73
What syndrome is associated with compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
74
Where does the median nerve pass through, leading to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel.
75
ulnar nerve sensory distribution
skin of the medial hand
76
ulnar nerve motor distribution:
anterior forearm muscles hand muscles
77
compartment of the ulnar nerve
anterior forearm
78
Does the ulnar nerve provide motor or sensory innervation to any structures in the arm?
No, the ulnar nerve passes through the arm without providing motor or sensory innervation to any arm structures.
79
Where does the ulnar nerve pass superficially, making it susceptible to external pressure?
The ulnar nerve passes superficially at the posterior medial elbow, making it susceptible to external pressure applied to the area.
80
What is commonly referred to as the "funny bone"?
The ulnar nerve is commonly referred to as the "funny bone."
81
how is the lumbar plexus formed?
from the anterior rami of the L1-L4 spinal nerves
82
how does the lumbar plexus travel?
around the deep surface of the abdominal wall with some branches passing into the lower limb deep to the inguinal ligament.
83
The inguinal ligament:
A fibrous band of tissue located in the groin area. It extends from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) of the hip bone to the pubic tubercle.
84
what does the lumbar plexus give rise to?
Gives rise to the peripheral nerves that provide sensory and motor innervation to the ABDOMINOPELVIC REGION and LOWER LIMBS
85
what are the two peripheral nerves of the lumbar plexus?
femoral nerve obturator nerve
86
femoral nerve sensory distribution?
Skin of the anterior thigh Skin of the medial thigh Skin of the medial leg and foot
87
femoral nerve motor distribution
anterior thigh muscles
88
femoral nerve compartment
anterior thigh
89
obturator nerve sensory distribution
skin of the medial thigh
90
obturator nerve motor distribution
medial thigh
91
obturator nerve compartment
medial thigh
92
What forms the sacral plexus?
The sacral plexus is formed from the anterior rami of the L4-S4 spinal nerves.
93
Through which anatomical region does the sacral plexus travel?
The sacral plexus travels through the pelvic cavity.
94
Where do some branches of the sacral plexus pass into the lower limb?
Some branches of the sacral plexus pass into the lower limb via the greater sciatic notch (**) or lesser sciatic notch (*).
95
What regions does the sacral plexus provide sensory and motor innervation to?
The sacral plexus provides sensory and motor innervation to the abdominopelvic region and lower limbs.
96
What peripheral nerves arise from the sacral plexus?
The sacral plexus gives rise to peripheral nerves that provide sensory and motor innervation to the abdominopelvic region and lower limbs.
97
what are the peripheral nerves of the sacral plexus?
sciatic nerve tibial nerve superficial fibular nerve deep fibular nerve All of which are terminal branches of the sciatic nerve.
98
What are the two major terminal branches of the sciatic nerve?
The tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve.
99
What does the common fibular nerve further divide into?
The common fibular nerve further divides into the superficial fibular nerve and the deep fibular nerve.
100
What is the collective function of the tibial nerve, superficial fibular nerve, and deep fibular nerve?
Together, these nerves supply motor and sensory innervation to the lower limb.
101
sciatic nerve sensory distribution
none
102
sciatic nerve motor distribution:
posterior thigh muscles
103
sciatic nerve compartment:
posterior thigh
104
What is sciatica characterized by?
Sciatica is characterized by pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower limb.
105
What can cause sciatica?
Sciatica can be caused by irritation of the spinal nerves that give rise to the sciatic nerve (L4-S3) or the sciatic nerve itself.
106
What are examples of conditions that may lead to spinal nerve irritation and subsequently cause sciatica?
Examples include intervertebral disc herniation and osteoarthritis.
107
What is an example of sciatic nerve irritation that can result in sciatica?
"Piriformis syndrome" is an example of sciatic nerve irritation that can cause sciatica
108
Through which anatomical structure does the piriformis muscle pass?
The piriformis muscle passes through the greater sciatic notch.
109
What percentage of the population has the sciatic nerve or a portion of it passing through the piriformis muscle?
Approximately 10-15% of the population has the sciatic nerve or a portion of it passing through the piriformis muscle.
110
How can spasm of the piriformis muscle contribute to sciatica?
Spasm of the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve, mimicking central causes of sciatica such as intervertebral disc herniations and osteoarthritis.
111
what is the sciatic nerve comprised of?
two separate nerves wrapped in a common sheath that split near the knee
112
What happens to the sciatic nerve near the knee?
Near the knee, the sciatic nerve splits into the tibial nerve and common fibular nerve.
113
What are the two branches of the common fibular nerve?
The common fibular nerve splits into the superficial fibular nerve and deep fibular nerve.
114
What is the function of the tibial nerve, superficial fibular nerve, and deep fibular nerve as they continue into the leg?
Each of these nerves supplies one of the three leg compartments.
115
What compartments of the leg do the tibial nerve, superficial fibular nerve, and deep fibular nerve supply?
The tibial nerve, superficial fibular nerve, and deep fibular nerve supply the posterior, lateral, and anterior compartments of the leg, respectively.
116
tibial nerve sensory distribution
skin of the plantar surface of the foot
117
tibial nerve sensory distribution
posterior leg muscles foot muscles
118
tibial nerve compartment
posterior leg
119
superficial fibular nerve sensory distribution
Skin of the lower lateral leg Skin of the dorsal surface of the foot
120
superficial fibular nerve motor distribution
lateral leg muscles
121
superficial fibular nerve compartment
lateral leg
122
deep fibular nerve sensory distribution
skin between the first and second toes
123
deep fibular nerve motor distribution
anterior leg muscles
124
deep fibular nerve compartment
anterior leg
125

Anatomy (34 decks)

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