Clinical Anatomy of the Trunk and Central Neuraxis

Abstract

A brief overview of the anatomy of the spinal cord and vertebral (spinal) column and the origin of spinal nerves as they relate to peripheral nerve blockade is important for a clear understanding of the relationships of these structures to one another and the formation of the different nerve plexuses in the thoracic and lumbar regions. A review of thoracic and lumbar neuroanatomy in that context will provide the reader with an appreciation of the structures visualized during imaging and encountered when performing peripheral nerve blocks in these regions. This chapter will also provide an overview of the development of the vertebral column, which is important when assessing and performing regional blocks on children of different ages. The information in this chapter will provide background on the clinical anatomy for blocks described in Chaps. 28, 29, 30, 33, and 34.