Corpus: Nerve root

The term nerve root refers to the nerve fibers that radiate into or out of the spinal cord in segments and then converge to form a spinal nerve.

Each segment of the spinal column has two nerve roots on the right and two on the left. These roots unite in the spinal canal on each side to form a spinal nerve, which then exits the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramina.

2.1. Posterior Nerve Roots (Dorsal Roots)

The posterior nerve roots arise with their root fibers (radicular filaments) from the posterior lateral sulcus of the spinal cord, located between the lateral and posterior cord tracts. Afferent nerve fibers enter the spinal cord through these roots, transmitting sensory information into the spinal cord, where it is further processed. The nerve cell bodies of these fibers are located in the spinal ganglion outside the spinal cord.

2.2. Anterior Nerve Roots (Ventral Roots)

The anterior nerve roots arise with their root fibers from the anterior lateral sulcus, located between the anterior and lateral cord tracts. Efferent nerve fibers emerge from the spinal cord through these roots, conducting motor impulses to the peripheral muscles. The nerve cell bodies of these fibers are located in the anterior horn of the gray matter of the spinal cord.

In periradicular pain therapy (PRT), medications are injected into the direct vicinity of the nerve roots to alleviate pain.