Anterior Roots of Lumbar Nerves (Left)

Description

The anterior (ventral or motor) roots of the lumbar nerves arise bilaterally from the anterior aspect of the spinal cord as a series of smaller rootlets that merge to form the anterior root.

The anterior roots contain information traveling away from the spinal cord. This consists of all lower motor neuronal axons from these spinal levels. In addition, axons from preganglionic sympathetic neurons exit the spinal cord via the anterior roots of the first and second lumbar nerves.

Anterior lumbar roots run inferiorly, anterior to the denticulate ligaments, towards the corresponding intervertebral foramen. Here they merge with the corresponding posterior (dorsal or sensory) root to form a lumbar nerve.