Nervus Phrenicus (Noun)
Meaning
One of a pair of nerves that arises from cervical spinal roots and passes down the thorax to innervate the diaphragm and control breathing.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The nervus phrenicus is responsible for regulating the contractions and relaxations of the diaphragm, thereby controlling the rate and depth of breathing.
- During anesthesia, the anesthesiologist must be mindful of the potential for damage to the nervus phrenicus, as this can lead to complications with respiratory function.
- Injury to the nervus phrenicus can result in impaired respiratory function, as the diaphragm is no longer able to contract properly.
- The nervus phrenicus is a mixed nerve, containing both motor and sensory fibers, which allow for the transmission of signals to and from the diaphragm.
- Compression or irritation of the nervus phrenicus can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.