The intervertebral disc between C4 and C5 would most likely affect which spinal nerve?

Study for the NBME Gross Anatomy High Yield Test. Enhance your learning with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each detailed with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your anatomy exam!

Multiple Choice

The intervertebral disc between C4 and C5 would most likely affect which spinal nerve?

Explanation:
In the cervical spine, the nerve that exits the intervertebral foramen between two vertebrae is named for the upper vertebra. So the disk herniation between C4 and C5 would compress the C5 nerve root as it passes through the foramen there. This is why the C5 spinal nerve is affected. (Discs between C5-C6 would affect the C6 nerve, and so on.)

In the cervical spine, the nerve that exits the intervertebral foramen between two vertebrae is named for the upper vertebra. So the disk herniation between C4 and C5 would compress the C5 nerve root as it passes through the foramen there. This is why the C5 spinal nerve is affected. (Discs between C5-C6 would affect the C6 nerve, and so on.)

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