phrenicnerve

The phrenic nerve is a motor and sensory nerve that originates in the neck and runs down through the chest to the diaphragm. It is crucial for respiration, as it is the sole motor supply to the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing. Each phrenic nerve arises from cervical spinal nerve roots, typically C3, C4, and C5. The nerve descends through the thorax, passing between the lungs and heart, to innervate the diaphragm on each side.

Damage to the phrenic nerve, whether from injury or disease, can lead to diaphragmatic paralysis. This can significantly impair breathing, potentially requiring mechanical ventilation. Symptoms of phrenic nerve dysfunction can include shortness of breath, especially when lying flat, and hiccups. Conditions that can affect the phrenic nerve include trauma, surgery in the neck or chest area, viral infections, and certain neurological disorders. Surgical procedures near the phrenic nerve require careful attention to avoid accidental damage. In cases of bilateral phrenic nerve paralysis, the ability to breathe independently is severely compromised. The phrenic nerve also carries sensory information from the diaphragm and the mediastinum.