Spinal Nerves:There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, grouped according to the region of the vertebral column from which they originate. Each pair monitors a specific region of the body surface.
- Cervical nerves – 8 pairs (C1-C8)
- Thoracic nerves – 12 pairs (T1-T12)
- Lumbar nerves – 5 pairs (L1-L5)
- Sacral nerves – 5 pairs (S1-S5);
- Coccygeal nerves – 1 pair (Co1)
Major Peripheral Nerves: (nerve; spinal nerves that contribute; distribution points)
- Phrenic – C3-C5 – diaphragm
- Radial – C5-C8, T1 – skin and muscles of posterior arm, forearm, and hand, plus thumb and first two fingers
- Median – C5-C8, T1 – skin and muscles of anterior arm, forearm, and hand
- Ulnar – C8, T1 – skin and muscles of medial arm, forearm, and hand, plus little finger and ring finger
- Intercostal – T2-T12 – intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles, and skin of trunk
- Femoral – L2-L4 – skin and muscles of anterior thigh, plus medial leg and foot
- Sciatic – L4-S3 – skin and muscles of posterior thigh, leg, and foot.
