anterior (ventral) ramus of spinal nerve

Introduction

The larger anterolaterally directed major terminal branch of all 31 pairs of mixed spinal nerves, formed at the intervertebral foramen from ventral roots of the spinal nerve.

The distribution of the ventral rami varies in different body regions.

Course

• travel in the intercostal spaces between the ribs to supply the skin & muscles of the lateral & anterior body walls.
• ventral rami of the spinal nerves in the thoracic region give rise to intercostal nerves.
• in the cervical, lumbar & sacral regions the ventral rami of the spinal nerves unite to form complex networks (plexus) that give rise to nerves that supply the skin & muscles of the upper limbs & lower limbs

More general terms

• peripheral nerve

Additional terms

• brachial plexus
• intercostal nerve
• thoracic spinal nerve
• ventral root of spinal nerve