Nerve plexus

Nerve plexus
Superimposed image of the spinal plexuses on a human back.
Identifiers
FMA	5901
*Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy* []

A nerve plexus is a plexus (branching network) of intersecting nerves. A nerve plexus is composed of afferent and efferent fibers that arise from the merging of the anterior rami of spinal nerves and blood vessels. There are five spinal nerve plexuses, except in the thoracic region, as well as other forms of autonomic plexuses, many of which are a part of the enteric nervous system. The nerves that arise from the plexuses have both sensory and motor functions. These functions include muscle contraction, the maintenance of body coordination and control, and the reaction to sensations such as heat, cold, pain, and pressure. There are several plexuses in the body, including:

The following table shows the nerves that arise from each spinal plexus as well as the spinal level each plexus arises from.

Spinal Plexus

Spinal Level

Nerves (superior to inferior)

Cervical Plexus

C1 – C5

· Lesser occipital

· Greater auricular

· Transverse cervical

· Ansa cervicalis

· Supraclavicular

· Phrenic