Subcostal nerve

The subcostal nerve is the anterior ramus of the twelfth thoracic spinal nerve (T12)[1][2][3][5]. It is the largest and final thoracic nerve and runs just below the twelfth rib, traveling in a neurovascular bundle with the accompanying artery and vein[1][3]. It is classified as a mixed nerve, containing both motor fibers for innervating abdominal muscles (pyramidalis, internal and external oblique, transversus abdominis) and sensory fibers for supplying the skin over the abdominal wall, lateral gluteal region, and parietal peritoneum[1][2][3]. The subcostal nerve contributes to the lumbar plexus by having communicating branches to the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves. Not typically considered a molecular or therapeutic target, the subcostal nerve may be involved in neuropathies, surgical procedures, or local anesthesia, where it may be blocked to control pain or sensation[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Twelfth thoracic nerve (anterior division)Nervus subcostalis