Thoracic Nerves
Thoracic Nerves - Related Videos
06:57
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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Cited by 3 •
2020
Here, we present a protocol of the transaxillary resection of the first rib for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and artery.
01:15
Thoracic Aorta
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2024
The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
01:17
The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
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2023
The thoracic or rib cage forms the body's thorax (chest) portion. Its primary function in the body is to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and the lungs. It consists of 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12). The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
01:20
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
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2025
Ribs are curved, flattened bones forming the thoracic cavity wall with the thoracic muscles. There are 12 pairs of thoracic ribs. The posterior ends of all the ribs articulate with the T1–T12 thoracic vertebrae. In contrast,the anterior ends of most ribs attach to the sternum via their costal cartilages. Parts of a Typical Rib A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal facet...
11:18
Generation of Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Database - Tool for Translational Research
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Cited by 5 •
2011
A thoracic oncology database was developed to serve as a comprehensive repository for clinical and laboratory data for the purposes of translational research. The database will serve translational cancer researchers within the Thoracic Oncology Research Program. This database is adaptable to other cancer models, as well as other human diseases.
FAQs
Thoracic nerve function depends on the division of spinal nerve roots. Dorsal sensory roots carry incoming information from the chest wall, upper abdomen, and back, whereas ventral motor roots direct signals toward muscles. This separation allows sensory information and motor commands to travel through the same regional nerve network while retaining different functional roles.
The distinction reflects the anatomical arrangement of the lower thoracic region. Most ventral rami travel between the ribs as intercostal nerves, linking thoracic spinal output with the chest wall. The T12 ventral ramus is identified separately as the subcostal nerve and is associated with the transition toward the upper abdominal region.
Motor signaling activates intercostal and abdominal muscles, contributing to breathing and trunk movement. At the same time, sensory signaling from the skin conveys touch, pain, and temperature. These parallel functions explain why assessment of this nerve network considers both muscle activity and cutaneous sensation rather than treating thoracic nerve function as purely motor or sensory.
A neurological examination can assess the sensory and motor roles of these nerves in their associated regions. Testing touch, pain, and temperature examines cutaneous signaling, while evaluating intercostal and abdominal muscle activity examines motor involvement relevant to breathing and trunk movement. Together, these observations connect physical findings with thoracic nerve anatomy.
Pain location can be considered alongside the nerve territories supplying the chest wall, upper abdomen, and portions of the back. Because thoracic nerves carry sensory information from skin, their regional organization provides an anatomical framework for interpreting chest-wall pain and relating symptoms to possible nerve involvement during neurological assessment.
Regional anesthesia can use knowledge of thoracic nerve anatomy to address sensation in defined chest-wall or adjacent regions. Understanding which ventral rami travel as intercostal nerves, and how the T12 ramus is designated as the subcostal nerve, helps relate an anesthetic approach to the anatomical nerve pathways it is intended to affect.