Figure 2-5
Basic architecture of the thoracic spinal nerves as they communicate with the spinal cord (ventral view).

Both motor and sensory nerve supply to the thoracic wall is supplied by thoracic spinal or intercostal nerves. Intercostal nerves run with intercostal arteries and veins between adjacent ribs. Thoracic spinal nerves are the simplest of all spinal nerves because they don't communicate with any nerve plexuses. Most other spinal nerves do. (Figure 2-5)