What nerves are in the thoracic spine?
Thoracic Nerve Functions
- T1 and T2 (top two thoracic nerves) feed into nerves that go into the top of the chest as well as into the arm and hand.
- T3, T4, and T5 feed into the chest wall and aid in breathing.
- T6, T7, and T8 can feed into the chest and/or down into the abdomen.
What nerve originates in the thoracic spinal cord?
The thoracic spinal nerve 12 (T12) is a spinal nerve of the thoracic segment. It originates from the spinal column from below the thoracic vertebra 12 (T12). It may also be known as the subcostal nerve.
How many nerves are in the thoracic spine?
The spinal nerves are numbered according to the vertebrae above which it exits the spinal canal. The 8 cervical spinal nerves are C1 through C8, the 12 thoracic spinal nerves are T1 through T12, the 5 lumbar spinal nerves are L1 through L5, and the 5 sacral spinal nerves are S1 through S5.
What do the nerves in the thoracic spine control?
These nerves and muscles help control the rib cage, lungs, diaphragm and muscles that help you breathe. T-6 through T-12 nerves affect abdominal and back muscles. These nerves and muscles are important for balance and posture, and they help you cough or expel foreign matter from your airway.
What parts of the body are controlled by the thoracic spine?
The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen.
Is thoracic spinal stenosis common?
This narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs gradually, slowly reducing the spinal cord’s space and/or room for the nerves in the area. Thoracic spinal stenosis is not as common as other stenosis conditions.
