White rami
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White ramus communicans
Scheme showing structure of a typical spinal nerve. 1. Somatic efferent. 2. Somatic afferent. 3,4,5. Sympathetic efferent. 6,7. Sympathetic afferent.
Diagram of the course and branches of a typical intercostal nerve. (Rami communicantes labeled at center.)
Latin	ramus communicans albus nervi spinalis
Gray's	subject #208 920

The thoracic, and the first and second lumbar nerves each contribute a branch, white ramus communicans to the adjoining sympathetic ganglion.

They contain myelinated preganglionic sympathetic fibers (GVE and GVA).

Unlike the gray rami, white rami communicantes do not extend below L2.¹

Additional images

Deep and superficial dissection of the lumbar plexus.

Thoracic portion of the sympathetic trunk.

References

See also

• Gray ramus communicans

External links

• white+rami+communicantes at eMedicine Dictionary
• Atlas of anatomy at UMich n3a6p1 - "Autonomic Connections of the Spinal Cord"
• Overview and diagram

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