Liz is a medical writer and illustrator with an MSc in Medical Art and a BA in Medical Illustration focusing on pre-medical sciences. She has worked with healthcare professionals and educators globally creating anatomically accurate learning materials.
Spinal Nerves
Our spinal nerves transmit information from our central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system, the two subdivisions of the nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that branch out of the brain and spinal cord, which includes the spinal nerves.
The information that is transmitted is through motor signals, sensory signals, or autonomic signals, which are signals for involuntary bodily functions. As spinal nerves contain multiple nerve fibres with different functions, they are known as mixed nerves.
Anatomy Charts for Spine Anatomy Study
To support a more thorough understanding of spinal nerve anatomy, our educational anatomical charts and posters feature clear, detailed illustrations. Whether you're a medical student, healthcare practitioner, or teaching anatomy, these resources can help simplify complex subjects and make the learning process more engaging and visual.
Regional Divisions of the Spinal Nerve
The spinal cord is made up of segments. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which include eight cervical pairs, twelve thoracic pairs, five lumbar pairs, five sacral pairs, and one coccygeal pair.
The cervical nerves mainly supply muscles and skin to the upper limbs and some areas in the head, neck, and chest. The thoracic nerves supply the chest, ribcage, abdomen, and lower back. The lumbar nerves mainly innervate the abdomen and pelvis. The sacral nerves supply the muscles and skin of the lower limbs as well as some of the pelvis. The coccygeal nerve supplies the skin around the coccyx.
The body makes up the main part of the spine and is usually round in shape and bears the most weight. The spinal process and transverse processes provide an attachment point for various muscles. The vertebral foramen forms the spinal canal where the spinal cord runs through. The articular facets contain joints which link each vertebra together.
Spinal Nerve Branches
Each spinal nerve has four roots: two anteriorly (front) and two posteriorly (back). The anterior roots contain efferent nerve fibres, and the posterior roots contain afferent nerve fibres. Afferent nerve fibres carry sensory information, and efferent nerve fibres carry motor and autonomic information.
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Injury
If the spinal cord is damaged, it can cause a permanent or temporary change to what the person can feel. Often, there’s a loss of muscle function, sensation, and/or a loss of the use of some limbs or body parts.
Injuries to the spinal nerves themselves can also lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the damage. Because each spinal nerve controls specific muscles and relays sensory information from particular areas of the body, damage can result in localised weakness, numbness, tingling, or paralysis.
A spinal nerve injury may affect reflexes, disrupt communication between the brain and the body, and in severe cases, impair functions such as breathing or bladder control.
Spinal Nerve Anatomy Models
Our anatomical models are carefully crafted to show the relationship between the spinal cord, vertebrae, and branching spinal nerves. Ideal for students, educators, and medical professionals, these models bring spinal nerve anatomy to life, allowing for hands-on exploration of how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. Perfect for use in classrooms, clinics, or revision sessions.
Blood Vessels of the Spine
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to tissues of your body. The main supply of blood to the spine comes from the vertebral arteries. Muscles of the back are supplied by the deep cervical, posterior intercostal, subcostal and lumbar arteries.
Improve Learning with Visual Aids
Grasping the intricate layout of the spinal nerves is far more effective when supported by high-quality anatomical visuals. Our range of models, diagrams, and revision guides provide an interactive and comprehensive approach to learning. Whether you're studying for an exam, delivering a lecture, or working in clinical practice, our tools help deepen understanding and improve retention of anatomical knowledge.
