Introduction The iliohypogastric nerve is a branch of the lumbar plexus, originating mainly from the L1 spinal nerve. It provides motor innervation to the lower abdominal muscles (such as the internal oblique and transversus abdominis) and sensory innervation to the skin over the lower abdomen and upper hip (gluteal) region. It plays a role in…
Introduction The thorax muscles are a group of muscles located in the chest region that play a key role in respiration and upper body movement. The thoracic wall comprises the subcostalis, transversus thoracis, innermost intercostal muscles, external intercostal muscles, and internal intercostal muscles. During breathing, these muscles are principally in charge of altering the thoracic…
Introduction The transversus thoracis is a thin, flat muscle on the inner surface of the front chest wall. It extends from the lower sternum and xiphoid process to the inner surfaces of ribs 2–6. Its main function is to assist in forced expiration by helping to depress the ribs, thereby reducing the volume of the…
Introduction The Levatores Costarum (Latin for “lifters of the ribs”) are small, deep muscles of the back that assist with breathing and spinal movement. Twelve tiny triangle muscles make up the levatores costarum, which connect the thoracic vertebrae to the nearby ribs. They extend from C7 to T12 levels in the thoracic area and are…
Introduction The perineal nerve is a big terminal branch of the pudendal nerve that normally begins during its passage through the pudendal canal or shortly after it exits the canal. The pudendal nerve travels to the perineum before splitting into two terminal branches: the superficial perineal nerve (superficial perineal branch) and the deep perineal nerve….
Introduction The pronator quadratus is a quadrangular, thin, short, and flat muscle located in the anterior compartment of the forearm. It is a member of the deep group of forearm flexors, together with flexor digitorum profundus and pollicis longus. The superficial group of forearm flexors overlays these three muscles. The pronator quadratus connects the distal…
Introduction The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body, originating from the lumbar and sacral spine (L4-S3). It runs through the buttocks and down the back of the leg, supplying motor and sensory function to the lower limbs. Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve can lead to sciatica, causing…
Introduction The peripheral nervous system is made up of nerves that branch from the brain and spinal cord. These nerves connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. The peripheral neural system is further separated into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system is made up of nerves that…
Introduction The pudendal nerve is a major nerve in the pelvis, originating from the sacral plexus (S2-S4). It provides motor and sensory innervation to the perineum, including the external genitalia, anus, and pelvic floor muscles. It plays a key role in controlling bladder and bowel function, as well as sexual function. Injury or irritation of…
Introduction The celiac plexus, also known as the solar plexus, is a network of nerves located in the upper abdomen, near the aorta and behind the pancreas. It plays a key role in transmitting signals between the abdominal organs and the central nervous system. The celiac plexus is often targeted for nerve blocks to manage…
