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Spinal Nerves
Spinal nerves are formed from the joining of
nerve roots.
The dorsal and ventral nerve roots grow together to create a nerve comprised of mixed tissue types. Nerves are typically bundles of several different types of neurological tissue, each with its own unique properties. Specific areas of the nerve control different functions in the corresponding anatomical region served by the nerve.Types of Spinal NervesThere are 8 sets of cervical nerves which exit the spinal canal between each cervical vertebra. There are 12 sets of thoracic nerves which exit the spine between each thoracic vertebra. There are 5 sets of lumbar nerves which branch off the cauda equina in between each lumbar vertebra. There are 5 sets of sacral nerves which branch off the cauda equina in the sacrum. There is a single pair of coccygeal nerves at the base of the spine.Varieties of Spinal NervesNerve tissue comes in 3 basic varieties: motor, sensory and autonomic.Motor nerves control muscular movement in their respective bodily locations. Sensory Nerves control feeling, sensation and stimuli experienced in their respective bodily locations. Autonomic nerves control autonomic processes which are not consciously controlled. Autonomic nerve damage can have severe effects in many areas of the body. Neurological Spinal ProblemsNerve compression can be a big problem for any affected patient. Compression prevents proper nerve signal transmission and can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from pain to numbness, tingling and weakness. However, pinched nerves are rare and do not occur nearly as often as they are diagnosed. Ischemic processes are far more common and can create similar symptomology as physical compression. Luckily, ischemia does not do any long term damage and can usually be treated effectively, as long as the condition is recognized as being an oxygen deprivation issue.
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