Neurological System

Description

Running from the cranial cavity into the vertebral canal, the central nervous system is represented by the brain and a continuous spinal cord, with segmental spinal nerves exiting laterally through the intervertebral foramina. Superiorly, cranial nerves radiate from the brainstem toward the face and neck, while the cervical plexus and brachial plexus occupy the anterolateral neck and axilla before continuing distally as major nerves of the upper limb. Inferiorly, thoracic spinal nerves course as intercostal nerves along the thoracic wall, and lumbosacral ventral rami form the lumbar and sacral plexuses that supply the pelvis and lower limb. Full-body nervous system plates matter because they let you track dermatomes, myotomes, and reflex arcs from a spinal cord segment to a peripheral target without losing the big picture. That is the logic behind localizing weakness from a C5 radiculopathy versus an upper trunk brachial plexopathy, or distinguishing L5 radiculopathy from a common fibular (peroneal) neuropathy at the fibular neck. Autonomic pathways are often taught alongside this layout as well, since sympathetic outflow from the thoracolumbar cord and parasympathetic craniosacral outflow explain patterns of pain referral and visceral reflexes. Use this illustration for gross anatomy and neuroanatomy teaching when introducing the division into central and peripheral nervous systems, and for clinical skills handouts on sensory loss patterns and nerve injury localization in a female body model. It also fits neurology and rehabilitation publications that need a clean overview of nerve distribution before focusing on a specific plexus, nerve, or lesion level. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.