Phrenic nerve

The phrenic nerve ( phrenic nerve ) is a nerve that originates from the neck area and among other things, the diaphragm innervated.

In humans, the nerve originates from the 3rd to 5th cervical segment and is a branch of the cervical plexus. For pets, however, it springs from the 5th - 7th Neck segment. In humans occur in one fifth of the individuals in addition Nebenphrenici ( phrenic nerves accessorii ) from the lower neck segments.

The phrenic nerve runs in humans before the anterior scalene muscle and behind the deep cervical fascia and the sternocleidomastoid muscle down, and then, accompanied by the subclavian artery and vein to enter the thoracic inlet. He is first located in front of the cupola, and then arrive to the diaphragm between the mediastinal pleura and pericardium. On his way he gives off branches to the pericardium, the mediastinal pleura and from the abdominal cavity of the peritoneum, liver, pancreas, and the anterior abdominal wall. At the opening of the pericardium, the nerve can be damaged. In a pleuritis ( pleurisy ) can cause irritation of the nerve and thus to a hiccup ( hiccough ).

Phrenikuslähmung ( phrenic nerve )

In paralysis of the phrenic nerve relaxes on the relevant page of the diaphragm. Since the abdominal organs are usually pushed by the diaphragm down, press them in relaxation of the diaphragm upward. The result is a so-called Zwerchfellhochstand. A unilateral elevation of the diaphragm, while providing strong breathing difficulties, but is survived normally. A two-sided loss to the phrenic nerve, however, is life-threatening.

By his early exit from the spinal canal remains in humans even with a spinal cord injury in the posterior cervical spine the possibility of a breathing via the diaphragm. Basically, massive disturbances in the function of the lungs and heart with a high probability to be expected at a deformation up to the third cervical vertebra, to damage to the fourth cervical vertebra likely. From the fifth cervical vertebra no life-threatening paralysis are more common, but probably paraplegia symptoms such as a dysfunction of the extremities, and others.

Phrenikusreizung

Rarely occurs after gassy laparoscopy on irritation of the phrenic nerve in patients, which is expressed in breast and shoulder pain. The gas used exerts pressure on the diaphragm, thus it comes to nerve irritation. After a complete escape of the residual gas after laparoscopy, the symptoms will go out.

Magnetic stimulation

For diagnostic purposes, the phrenic nerve can be stimulated through magnetic induction. Although this is much gentler than electrical impulses, there is no product on the market that uses this method.