Nerve Thoracic Long

Long thoracic nerve: anatomy, functions and disorders

The long thoracic nerve, also known as n. thoracicus longus, is one of many nerves that pass through the chest cavity. It is essential for the normal functioning of the upper limbs and can cause various disorders if its functions are impaired. In this article we will look at the anatomy, functions and disorders associated with the long thoracic nerve.

Anatomy of the long thoracic nerve

The long thoracic nerve begins in the neck and passes through the chest cavity, branching on its way to various muscles and organs. It consists of fibers that transmit signals from the brain to the muscles and back. The long pectoral nerve is connected to many muscles of the chest, shoulder and arm, including the intercostal muscles and the muscles of the diaphragm.

Functions of the long thoracic nerve

The long thoracic nerve plays an important role in controlling movements of the upper limbs. It supplies innervation to many of the muscles responsible for raising the arm, rotating the scapula, and compressing the chest during breathing. In addition, the long thoracic nerve is associated with the transmission of sensitive signals from the skin and joints of the arm and shoulder.

Disorders of the long thoracic nerve

Dysfunction of the long thoracic nerve can lead to various disorders that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Some of the most common disorders associated with the long thoracic nerve include the following:

1. Long thoracic neuralgia: This condition is characterized by sharp or stabbing pain in the chest area that can spread to the shoulder and arm. Long thoracic nerve neuralgia can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, or tumor.
2. Peyronie's syndrome: This is a condition that develops as a result of compression of the long thoracic nerve in the axillary fossa. It can lead to arm muscle weakness, numbness and pain.
3. Guillon-Barré syndrome: This is a condition that is associated with damage to the peripheral nervous system, including the long thoracic nerve. It can lead to muscle weakness, numbness and poor coordination.

conclusions

The long thoracic nerve is an important element of the nervous system, which plays an important role in the movement of the upper limbs. Impaired function of this nerve can lead to various disorders that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. If you have symptoms related to the long thoracic nerve, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Seeking help early can help prevent more serious problems from developing.

The long thoracic nerve is one of the largest nerves of the chest, which passes through the anterior wall of the chest and is part of the brachial plexus. It is of great importance for the functioning of the upper limb, as it transmits signals from the brain to the muscles and skin of the shoulder, forearm and hand.

The long thoracic nerve begins in the thoracic spinal cord, where it forms the brachial plexus. It then passes through the upper part of the anterior chest wall, where it connects with other nerves and forms the brachial plexus, which is responsible for supplying the muscles of the arm.

One of the functions of the long thoracic nerve is to transmit signals from the brain to the arm. When a person moves his arm, the long thoracic nerve transmits information about the movement of muscles and skin to the brain, which allows the person to control his movements. In addition, the long thoracic nerve is also responsible for transmitting pain signals from the skin and muscles of the arm, which helps a person feel pain and discomfort in the arm.

If the long thoracic nerve is damaged or cut, it can lead to impaired arm function and even paralysis. This can happen, for example, due to chest injuries or chest surgery.

Various methods are used to treat long thoracic nerve injury, such as surgical nerve repair, physical therapy, and medication. It is important to remember that damage to the long thoracic nerve can be dangerous to health, so you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms of impaired arm function.