Nerve
Intercostal nerves
Anterior rami of T1–T11
High-yield
Run in the costal groove with the vein and artery (VAN, top to bottom); T4 nipple, T10 umbilicus dermatomes.
Overview
The anterior rami of the thoracic spinal nerves that run in the costal grooves to supply the thoracic and abdominal walls.
Reference facts
- Roots
Anterior rami of T1–T11 (T12 = subcostal nerve)
- Course
Run in the intercostal spaces within the costal groove between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles
- Motor
Intercostal muscles and (lower nerves) the anterolateral abdominal wall muscles
- Sensory
Skin and parietal pleura/peritoneum of the thoracic and abdominal walls (dermatomes)