Posterior Root of Second Lumbar Nerve (Right)
Radix posterior nervi lumbalis secundi
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: In or just lateral to the intervertebral foramen below the second lumbar (L2) vertebra.
Course: Medially through the intervertebral foramen and superiorly towards the posterior surface of the appropriate spinal cord level.
Branches: Unnamed rootlets just prior to entering the spinal cord.
Supply: Sensory innervation from the skin of the lower back, lateral hip, and upper thigh. Autonomic innervation from the hindgut and genitals.
Origin
The posterior root of the second lumbar nerve originates in, or just lateral, to the intervertebral foramen, inferior to the second lumbar (L2) vertebra. It is at this point that the second lumbar nerve splits into anterior and posterior roots.
Course
The posterior root of the second lumbar nerve runs medially through the intervertebral foramen. Inside the vertebral canal, it runs superiorly towards its corresponding spinal cord level. The posterior root runs behind the denticulate ligament and splits into smaller rootlets, before entering the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord.
Branches
The posterior root of the second lumbar nerve branches into several smaller rootlets before entering the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord.
Supplied Structures
The posterior root of the second lumbar nerve carries sensory information from the skin of the lower back and upper and lateral thigh. It also carries autonomic afferent fibers to the hindgut, kidneys, and genitals.
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