Spinal Nerves

Nerves called the spinal nerves or nerve roots, branch off the spinal cord and pass out through a hole in each of the vertebrae called the Foramen. These nerves carry information from the spinal cord to the rest of the body, and from the body back up to the brain.

There are four main groups of spinal nerves, which exit different levels of the spinal cord.

These are in descending order down the vertebral column:

Cervical Nerves "C" : (nerves in the neck) supply movement and feeling to the arms, neck and upper trunk. Also control breathing.

Thoracic Nerves "T" : (nerves in the upper back) supply the trunk and abdomen.

Lumbar Nerves "L" and Sacral Nerves "S" : (nerves in the lower back) supply the legs, the bladder, bowel and sexual organs.