The Peripheral Nervous System PDF

The Peripheral Nervous System Dr. Ali Ebneshahidi ebneshahidi  Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. – Serves as a critical link between the body and the central nervous system. – periph...

The Peripheral Nervous System Dr. Ali Ebneshahidi ebneshahidi  Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. – Serves as a critical link between the body and the central nervous system. – peripheral nerves contain an outermost layer of fibrous connective tissue called epineurium which surrounds a thinner layer of fibrous connective tissue called perineurium (surrounds the bundles of nerve or fascicles). Individual nerve fibers within the nerve are surrounded by loose connective tissue called endoneurium. ebneshahidi ebneshahidi  Cranial Nerves Cranial nerves are direct extensions of the brain. Only nerve I (olfactory) originates from the cerebrum, the remaining 11 pairs originate from the brain stem. Nerve I (Olfactory)- for the sense of smell (sensory). Nerve II (Optic)- for the sense of vision (sensory). Nerve III (Oculomotor)- for controlling muscles and accessory structures of the eyes (primarily motor). Nerve IV (Trochlear)- for controlling muscles of the eyes (primarily motor). Nerve V (Trigeminal)- for controlling muscles of the eyes, upper, and lower jaws and tear glands (mixed). Nerve VI (Abducens)- for controlling muscles that move the eye (primarily motor). ebneshahidi ebneshahidi Nerve VII (Facial) – for the sense of taste and controlling facial muscles, tear glands, and salivary glands (mixed). Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear)- for the senses of hearing and equilibrium (sensory). Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)- for controlling muscles in the pharynx and to control salivary glands (mixed). Nerve X (Vagus)- for controlling muscles used in speech, swallowing, and the digestive tract, and controls cardiac and smooth muscles (mixed). Nerve XI (Accessory)- for controlling muscles of soft palate, pharynx and larynx (primarily motor). Nerve XII (Hypoglossal) for controlling muscles that move the tongue (primarily motor). ebneshahidi ebneshahidi ebneshahidi ebneshahidi ebneshahidi ebneshahidi  Spinal Nerves Spinal nerves are mixed nerves where both sensory and motor nerve fibers are found in each nerve, allowing these nerves to have two-way communication between the spinal cord and the arms, legs, neck, and body trunk. Except in the thoracic region, all spinal nerves form plexuses. In each plexus, nerve fibers of various spinal nerves are sorted and recombined, resulting in different nerve fibers from different spinal nerves reaching the same parts. ebneshahidi  Plexuses Plexuses- are a network of spinal nerves. 1) Cervical plexus (C1- C4): most branches are cutaneous and supply the skin of face and neck. Other branches supply muscles of the anterior neck. Fibers of C3/ 4/5 Cervical nerves form the right and left phrenic nerve which supply the diaphragm. ebneshahidi 2) Brachial plexus (C5 – T1): form brachial plexus. Major branches: main branches emerging from the brachial plexus include the following: a) musculcutaneous nerve: supply muscle of the ant. arm and skin of forearm. b) ulnar nerve: supply muscles of forearm, hands and skin of hands. c) median nerve: supply muscles of the forearm and muscles of hands. ebneshahidi d) radial nerve: supply muscles of the post. arm and skin of forearm and hands. It is the largest brnch of C- plexus. e) axillary nerve: supply muscles of the skin of the superior, lateral, and posterior regions of the arm. other nerves associated with brachial plexus are: f) lateral & medial pectoral nerves: supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles. g) dorsal scapular nerve: supply the rhomboideus major and levator scapulae. h) lower subscapularis nerve: supply the subscapularis and teres major muscles. i) thoracic dorsal nerve: supply the latissimus dorsi muscle. j) the suprascapular nerve: supply the supraspinatous and infra- spinatous muscles. ebneshahidi ebneshahidi ebneshahidi ebneshahidi 3) lumbosacral plexus (T12 - S5): Major branches : a) obturator nerve: supply the adductor muscles of the thigh. b) femoral nerve: supply quadriceps muscles. It is the longest nerve of the lumbar plexus. c) sciatic nerve: divides into tibial and common peroneal nerve. It supply muscles and skin in the thighs, legs, and feet. It is the largest and longest nerve in the body. ebneshahidi other nerves associated with sacral plexus are: d) pudendal nerve: supply the muscles of perineum. e) inferior & superior gluteal nerve: supply the gluteal muscles and the tensor fascia lata muscle. ebneshahidi ebneshahidi  Dermatomes Dermatome: is an area of skin that the sensory nerve fibers of a particular spinal nerve innervate. All spinal nerves except C1 has dermatomes (example: the skin of upper limbs is supplied by ventral rami of C5- T1). ebneshahidi