Phrenicoabdominal Branches of Phrenic Nerve
Rami phrenicoabdominalis nervi phrenici
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Phrenic nerve.
Course: Inferiorly through the respiratory diaphragm, into the abdominal cavity, then laterally to ramify on the inferior surface of the diaphragm and superior surface of the peritoneum.
Branches: None.
Supply: Respiratory diaphragm, diaphragmatic pleura, falciform ligament, peritoneum, and inferior vena cava.
Origin
The phrenicoabdominal branches of the phrenic nerve originate the base of the thoracic cavity as the phrenic nerves pierce the respiratory diaphragm and enter the abdomen.
Course
The phrenicoabdominal branches ramify on the inferior surface of the respiratory diaphragm, coursing laterality.
Branches
There are no named branches of the phrenicoabdominal branches of the phrenic nerve.
Supplied Structures & Function
The phrenicoabdominal branches are sensory nerves, supplying the respiratory diaphragm itself, its central tendon, and the overlying diaphragmatic pleura. The phrenicoabdominal branches also provide sensory innervation to upper abdominal portion of the inferior vena cava and the superior peritoneum, including the falciform ligament and coronary ligaments of the liver (Standring, 2016).
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Phrenic Nerve
The phrenic nerve is a small monofascicular nerve that travels on the surface of the anterior scalene muscle deep to the transverse cervical artery.
