Spinal nerve root

Spinal nerve roots are paired bundles of nerve fibers that emerge from each segment of the spinal cord. There are two main types: anterior (ventral) roots transmit motor (efferent) signals from the central nervous system to target muscles and visceral organs, while posterior (dorsal) roots carry sensory (afferent) information from peripheral tissues to the spinal cord. The roots join to form mixed spinal nerves, which then branch to innervate specific areas of the body according to a segmental map. Spinal nerve roots are critical in transmitting all sensory and motor signals between the body and the brain. Compression or injury leads to neurological syndromes (e.g., radiculopathy) that can result in pain, weakness, or loss of sensation.

Other names

anterior rootventral rootposterior rootdorsal root