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Dissection of thorax from a posterior approach

Left fifth thoracic nerve; intervertebral course and meningeal branches

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Image #132-2
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Dissection of thorax from a posterior approach
Left fifth thoracic nerve; intervertebral course and meningeal branches
The fifth rib has been removed from the left side. The vertebral canal has been opened by laminectomy and the pedicle of the fifth thoracic vertebra has been cut off on the left to expose the component parts of the corresponding spinal nerve. A plexus of vertebral branches (11) of this nerve, including meningeal filaments, can be seen to extend medially through the intervertebral foramen anterior to the nerve roots which have been elevated somewhat out of their usual position.
  1. Thoracic ganglion
  2. Costal pleura
  3. Costal facet vertebra Th. V
  4. Sympathetic trunk
  5. Pedicle of vertebral arch Th. V (cut off)
  6. Upper pointer: Dorsal branch thoracic nerve V Lower pointer: Spinal ganglion thoracic nerve V
  7. Rami communicantes
  8. Posterior intercostal vein V
  9. Intercostal nerve V
  10. Posterior intercostal artery V
  11. Meningeal branches thoracic nerve V
  12. Neck of rib (costal crest visible on upper margin of rib above pointer)
  13. Transverse process vertebra Th. VI
  14. Spinal cord
  15. Denticulate ligament
  16. Internal vertebral venous plexus
  17. Left pointer: Ventral root thoracic nerve V Right pointer: Dorsal root thoracic nerve V
  18. Dura mater
  19. Intervertebral foramen
  20. Articular surface superior articular process