Communication Between a Dorsal and Ventral Ramus: A Conflict for Traditional Anatomical Teaching.

Authors

Mayank Patel
Joe Iwanaga
Rod J Oskouian, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USAFollow
R Shane Tubbs

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-10-2018

Publication Title

Cureus

Keywords

anatomy; cadaver; cervical plexus; dissection; dorsal ramus; greater occipital nerve; lesser occipital nerve; spinal nerve; ventral ramus

Abstract

Counterintuitive to anatomic organization is the communication between a dorsal ramus and a ventral ramus, which are traditionally taught as serving specific anatomical fields. Herein, we discuss the cadaveric findings of such an example of neural intercommunication between the dorsal and ventral rami and review the potential embryology. While these two nerves are complementary in their function, it is not understood as to the reason for such an anatomical connection that breaches normal anatomical "laws."

Clinical Institute

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Department

Neurosciences

Department

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Recommended Citation

Patel, Mayank; Iwanaga, Joe; Oskouian, Rod J; and Tubbs, R Shane, "Communication Between a Dorsal and Ventral Ramus: A Conflict for Traditional Anatomical Teaching." (2018). Articles, Abstracts, and Reports. 212.
https://digitalcommons.providence.org/publications/212