Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025
03:59
Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy
Published on: January 10, 2019
7.0K
Lumbar plexus - review.
Nicol Zielinska1, Marta Pośnik2, Izabella Kaczmarczyk2
1Department of Clinical Anatomy, Masovian Academy in Plock, Płock, Poland. nicol.zielinska@stud.umed.lodz.pl.
Folia Morphologica
|February 10, 2025
Summary
This review details anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus (a network of nerves). Understanding these variations is crucial for medical procedures and managing nerve issues in the lower body.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- The lumbar plexus, formed by anterior rami of T12-L5, innervates the lower body.
- Existing literature describes its 6 peripheral nerves and variations.
- Variations include accessory nerves, absent nerves, and altered origins or branching patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate information on lumbar plexus anatomy and variations.
- To compare classification systems and findings across studies.
- To highlight clinical implications of lumbar plexus nerve variations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anatomical studies on the lumbar plexus.
- Analysis of morphological variations in adults and fetuses.
- Synthesis of data on nerve origins, courses, and branching.
Main Results:
- Documented variations in the origin, course, and branching of lumbar plexus nerves.
- Observed instances of accessory or absent nerves.
- Variations are linked to clinical conditions and procedural challenges.
Conclusions:
- Anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus are common and clinically significant.
- Knowledge of these variations is vital for regional anesthesia and treating nerve entrapment.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
463
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...
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...
463
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
708
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...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
708
01:23Spinal Nerves: Anatomy
1.9K
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...
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...
1.9K
01:54The Spinal Cord
29.1K
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.
29.1K
01:27Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
946
The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
946
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
571
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
571