Närvipõimikute

Närvipõimikute, known in English as nerve plexuses, are intricate networks of nerves formed by the branching and recombination of spinal nerves. These structures play a crucial role in the nervous system by organizing and directing nerve impulses to specific regions of the body. Unlike simple nerve bundles, plexuses allow for the redistribution of nerve fibers, ensuring that each part of the body receives adequate innervation even if individual spinal nerves are damaged.

The most significant nerve plexuses in the human body include the cervical plexus, brachial plexus, lumbar plexus, and sacral plexus. The cervical plexus serves the neck, shoulders, and diaphragm. The brachial plexus, a complex network, innervates the entire upper limb, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. The lumbar plexus supplies the anterior and medial parts of the thigh, as well as the abdominal wall. Finally, the sacral plexus, which is closely related to the lumbar plexus, innervates the gluteal region, pelvis, and posterior thigh, as well as most of the leg and foot.

These plexuses are formed by the anterior rami of spinal nerves. The arrangement within a plexus allows for the convergence of fibers from different spinal levels and their subsequent divergence to form peripheral nerves. This anatomical organization is essential for motor control and sensory feedback, allowing for coordinated muscle movements and the perception of touch, pain, and temperature. Injuries to nerve plexuses can result in significant motor and sensory deficits, highlighting their importance in maintaining bodily function.