| Nerve: Ramus communicans |
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| Scheme showing structure of a typical spinal nerve. 1. Somatic efferent. 2. Somatic afferent. 3,4,5. Sympathetic efferent. 6,7. Sympathetic afferent. |
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| Diagram of the course and branches of a typical intercostal nerve. (Rami communicantes labeled at center.) |
| Latin |
ramus communicans nervorum spinalium |
Ramus communicans (plural rami communicantes) is the term used for a nerve which connects two other nerves.
When used without further definition, it almost always refers to a communicating branch between a spinal nerve and the sympathetic trunk. More specifically, it usually refers to one of the following:
