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Related Concept Videos

Spinal Nerves: Anatomy01:23

Spinal Nerves: Anatomy

Spinal nerves are pivotal conduits in the nervous system, bridging the central nervous system (CNS) with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These nerves enable a complex communication network between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, facilitating sensory input, motor output, and autonomic functions.
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...
The Spinal Cord01:54

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II01:21

Spinal Nerves: Plexus II

The plexuses of the lower body include the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses, which innervate the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and coccygeal region. These plexuses control the transmission of sensory information and coordinate motor functions of the lower body.
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I01:22

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Cutaneous Surgical Denervation: A Method for Testing the Requirement for Nerves in Mouse Models of Skin Disease
08:01

Cutaneous Surgical Denervation: A Method for Testing the Requirement for Nerves in Mouse Models of Skin Disease

Published on: June 26, 2016

Does the nerve of Kuntz exist?

Ann C McCormack1, Omar A Jarral, Alex R Shipolini

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The London Chest Hospital, London, UK.

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|May 24, 2011
PubMed
Summary

The nerve of Kuntz, a connection from the second intercostal nerve, shows significant anatomical variation in most patients. Identification during thoracoscopic sympathectomy can be challenging compared to open dissection.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Surgical Landmarks

Background:

  • The nerve of Kuntz, described in 1927, connects the second intercostal nerve to the first thoracic ventral ramus.
  • Its universal presence and identification during thoracoscopic sympathectomy remain subjects of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the proportion of patients with an identifiable nerve of Kuntz.
  • To explore anatomical variations and their implications for thoracic sympathectomy.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 55 papers, focusing on six providing the best evidence.
  • Analysis of cadaver dissections of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain.

Main Results:

  • Anatomical variations of the nerve of Kuntz are common, particularly at the T2 level.

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In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of the Rat Ulnar Nerve with Axonal Excitability Testing
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  • Approximately 60% of variations align with the original description of the nerve of Kuntz.
  • Open dissection facilitates identification more than thoracoscopy; superior intercostal veins may serve as landmarks.

    • Conclusions:

    • Most patients exhibit anatomical variations of the T2 ganglion, often corresponding to the nerve of Kuntz.
    • Thoracoscopic identification of these variations is more difficult than with open dissection.