Nervi digitales dorsales, commonly known as dorsal digital nerves, are a set of nerves located in the human body. Specifically, these nerves are found in the dorsal aspect or the upper side of the hand and feet. The term "nervi digitales dorsales" is derived from Latin, where "nervi" refers to nerves, "digitales" pertains to digits or fingers/toes, and "dorsales" means dorsal or the upper surface of a body part.
These nerves are responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin on the dorsal aspect of the fingers and toes. They supply the skin with important sensations such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. The dorsal digital nerves originate from larger nerves, such as the common digital nerves, which arise from the digital branches of the median and ulnar nerves in the hand, and the deep peroneal nerve in the feet.
In addition to sensory innervation, the dorsal digital nerves also contribute to the proper functioning of the motor activity in the hand and feet. They work in conjunction with the flexor and extensor tendons to allow fine motor control and movement of the digits.
Damage or dysfunction of the nervi digitales dorsales can lead to various sensory deficits, such as reduced ability to perceive touch or altered sensation in the dorsal aspect of the fingers and toes. In some cases, individuals may experience reduced motor control or weakness, causing difficulty in fine motor tasks. Proper care and treatment are required in cases of nerve injury to preserve and restore the function of nervi digitales dorsales.
