How to Identify the Nerves of the Spinal Column

The spinal nerves are the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and exit the vertebral column through openings called the intervertebral foramen. All spinal nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Humans have 31 pairs of spinal nerves that generally correspond with the 31 or more vertebrae in the spinal column. These spinal nerves can be grouped by the region of the spine in which they join with the spinal column.

Things You'll Need

• Medical reference for the spinal nerves

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the cervical spinal nerves. There are eight cervical nerves and seven cervical vertebrae. The first seven cervical nerves are located above the corresponding vertebrae and the eighth cervical nerve is located below the seventh vertebrae. These spinal nerves control the back of the head, diaphragm, neck, shoulders, arms and hands.

• 2

  Inspect the thoracic spinal nerves. There are 12 thoracic nerves and 12 thoracic vertebrae such that each thoracic nerve is located below the corresponding thoracic vertebrae. These nerves control the chest, the upper parts of the abdomen and the upper parts of the back.

• 3

  Observe the lumbar spinal nerves. Each of the five lumbar spinal nerves is located below the corresponding lumbar vertebrae. These nerves control the lower parts of the abdomen, the lower parts of the back, the buttocks, parts of the external genitals and the upper thigh.

• 4

  Identify the sacral spinal nerves. These five spinal nerves exit the vertebral column below the corresponding sacral vertebrae. They control most of the external genitals, the legs below the upper thigh and the anus.

• 5

  Look at the coccygeal nerve. There is only one coccygeal nerve and its anatomy can vary considerably. There may be from two to five coccygeal vertebrae which may be fused in some cases. The coccygeal nerve carries sensory impulses to the lower back.