ventral ramus
anatomy
Quick Summary
The term "ventral ramus" refers to a branch of a spinal nerve. Spinal nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system, which transmits signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.1
Each spinal nerve is formed by the joining of a dorsal root and a ventral root. After exiting the vertebral canal, each spinal nerve divides into a dorsal ramus and a ventral ramus.1
- Ventral rami carry both sensory and motor fibers. They are responsible for innervating the muscles, joints, and skin of the lateral and ventral body walls, as well as the extremities.1
- Dorsal rami primarily innervate the deep muscles and skin of the back.1
The word "ramus" itself is Latin for "branch" and is used in anatomy to describe any projecting part or branch, including those of nerves.2
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