INTERCOSTAL NERVES Meaning and
Definition
-
Intercostal nerves are a group of nerves found in the human body that originate from the thoracic spinal cord. There are 12 pairs of intercostal nerves, each corresponding to each of the 12 pairs of ribs. These nerves are responsible for providing sensation and motor control to the muscles and skin of the thorax, or chest area.
The intercostal nerves are mixed nerves, meaning they contain both sensory and motor fibers. The sensory fibers transmit signals from the skin, muscles, and internal organs of the thoracic region to the central nervous system. This enables the brain to perceive sensations such as pain, touch, and temperature in the chest area.
On the other hand, the motor fibers of the intercostal nerves innervate the intercostal muscles between the ribs. These muscles play a crucial role in the mechanics of breathing by aiding in the expansion and contraction of the chest cavity during respiration. The intercostal nerves, therefore, play a vital role in controlling the movement and stabilization of the ribs during breathing.
In addition to their role in sensation and motor control, the intercostal nerves are also important clinically. They can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as nerve blocks and intercostal nerve rhizotomies, to relieve pain or anesthetize specific areas of the thoracic region. Overall, the intercostal nerves are integral to the functioning of the chest area, allowing for both sensory perception and muscular control.
Common Misspellings for INTERCOSTAL NERVES
- intercostal nervs
- intercostal nerve
- untercostal nerves
- jntercostal nerves
- kntercostal nerves
- ontercostal nerves
- 9ntercostal nerves
- 8ntercostal nerves
- ibtercostal nerves
- imtercostal nerves
- ijtercostal nerves
- ihtercostal nerves
- inrercostal nerves
- infercostal nerves
- ingercostal nerves
- inyercostal nerves
- in6ercostal nerves
- in5ercostal nerves
- intwrcostal nerves
- intsrcostal nerves
Etymology of INTERCOSTAL NERVES
The term "intercostal nerves" is derived from two elements: "intercostal" and "nerves".
The word "intercostal" originates from the Latin term "intercostalis", which is a combination of the prefix "inter-" meaning "between", and the noun "costa" meaning "rib". It pertains to the spaces between the ribs in anatomical context.
The term "nerves" comes from the Latin word "nervus", which means "sinew" or "tendon". It refers to the fibers in the body that transmit signals between different parts, enabling sensation, movement, and other functions.
Thus, "intercostal nerves" describes the nerves that run between the ribs and are responsible for providing sensory information and motor control to the intercostal muscles, which are muscles located between the ribs.
