Rami communicans
Encyclopedia
Ramus communicans is the term used for a nerve which connects two other nerves.
When used without further definition, it almost always refers to a communicating branch between a spinal nerve
and the sympathetic trunk
. More specifically, it usually refers to one of the following:
When used without further definition, it almost always refers to a communicating branch between a spinal nerve
Spinal nerve
The term spinal nerve generally refers to a mixed spinal nerve, which carries motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the body...
and the sympathetic trunk
Sympathetic trunk
The sympathetic trunks are a paired bundle of nerve fibers that run from the base of the skull to the coccyx.-Structure:...
. More specifically, it usually refers to one of the following:
- Gray ramus communicansGray ramus communicansEach spinal nerve receives a branch, gray ramus communicans, from the adjacent ganglion of the sympathetic trunk.They contain unmyelinated postganglionic sympathetic fibers.-Function:...
- White ramus communicansWhite ramus communicansThe thoracic, and the first and second lumbar nerves each contribute a branch, white ramus communicans to the adjoining sympathetic ganglion.They contain myelinated preganglionic sympathetic fibers ....