Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Tenth Intercostal Nerve (Right)
Ramus cutaneus lateralis nervi intercostalis decimi
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Tenth intercostal nerve.
Course: Pierces the chest wall along the mid-axillary line.
Branches: Anterior and posterior branches.
Supply: Skin of the lateral abdominal wall.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The lateral cutaneous branch of anterior ramus of tenth thoracic nerve (or tenth intercostal nerve) arises from the anterior ramus of the tenth thoracic nerve roughly along the mid-axillary line.
Course
The lateral cutaneous branch may travel for a short distance with its parent nerve (the anterior ramus) within the intercostal space. It then pierces the thoracic wall through the internal and external intercostal muscles.
Branches
The lateral cutaneous branch further subdivides into anterior and posterior branches. The anterior branches extend anteriorly towards the rectus sheath, while the posterior branches extend backwards towards the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Supplied Structures & Function
The lateral cutaneous branch of the tenth intercostal nerve (or anterior ramus of tenth thoracic nerve) conveys sensory innervation from the skin overlying the lateral abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus. See our dermatome map for cutaneous innervation.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Intercostal Nerve
Slipping rib syndrome is produced by impingement of an intercostal nerve between two costal cartilages, secondary to the subluxation of an interchondral articulation.
