Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1802648
Nerve Plexus Anatomy 101

Abstract
Nerve plexuses are complex networks of interwoven nerves in the peripheral nervous system. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and function of the major nerve plexuses in the human body. The main spinal nerve plexuses—cervical, brachial, abdominal, lumbar, and sacral—are examined in detail, including their spinal origins, anatomical locations, and the areas they innervate. Understanding the intricate anatomy of nerve plexuses is essential for interventionalists, as it aids in the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Publication History
Article published online:
15 February 2025
© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
-
References
- 1 Tubbs RS. Nerves and Nerve Injuries. Vol 2. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2015
- 2 Nair J, Streeter KA, Turner SMF. et al. Anatomy and physiology of phrenic afferent neurons. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118 (06) 2975-2990
- 3 Johnson EO, Vekris M, Demesticha T, Soucacos PN. Neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus: normal and variant anatomy of its formation. Surg Radiol Anat 2010; 32 (03) 291-297
- 4 Mukherji SK, Wagle A, Armao DM, Dogra S. Brachial plexus nerve block with CT guidance for regional pain management: initial results. Radiology 2000; 216 (03) 886-890
- 5 Pejkova S, Filipce V, Peev I. et al. Brachial plexus injuries - review of the anatomy and the treatment options. Prilozi (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki) 2021; 42 (01) 91-103 (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki)
- 6 Wilbourn AJ. Plexopathies. Neurol Clin 2007; 25 (01) 139-171
- 7 Ning S, Ghandour S, Thabet A, Iqbal S. Visceral nerve interventions in interventional radiology. Tech Vasc Interv Radiol 2024; 27 (03) 100983
- 8 3D4Medical. Complete Anatomy. 2024 11 December 2024]. Accessed January 21, 2025 at: https://www.elsevier.com/resources/anatomy/nervous-system/peripheral-nervous-system/celiac-plexus/21964#section-contributing-nerves-1
- 9 Candal R, Reddy V, Samra NS. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Celiac Ganglia. 2023 [cited December 11, 2024]. Accessed January 21, 2025 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538129/
- 10 Yoham AL, Bruno B. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Inferior Hypogastric Plexus. 2022 [cited December 11, 2024]. Accessed January 21, 2025 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567711/
- 11 Cho Sims G, Boothe E, Joodi R, Chhabra A. 3D MR neurography of the lumbosacral plexus: obtaining optimal images for selective longitudinal nerve depiction. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37 (11) 2158-2162
- 12 Dalili D, Isaac A, Fritz J. Selective MR neurography-guided lumbosacral plexus perineural injections: techniques, targets, and territories. Skeletal Radiol 2023; 52 (10) 1929-1947
- 13 Fann AV. Anatomy and evaluation of the lumbosacral plexus. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 1998; 9 (04) 815-829