What nerve roots exit the C3-4 C7-T1 T3-4 and L5-S1 neural foramina?
In the cervical spine, the C1 nerve roots exit between the occiput and C1, whereas the C8 nerve roots exit at the C7-T1 intervertebral level since there is no C8 vertebra. The cervical nerve roots (with exception of C8) exit above the pedicles of the same-numbered vertebral body (e.g., the C4 nerve roots exit through the C3-4 neural foramina above the pedicles of C4). Because there are eight cervical roots, the relationship switches at the cervicothoracic junction such that in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the nerve roots exit below the pedicles of the same-numbered vertebral body (e.g., the T3 nerve roots exit through the T3-4 neural foramina below the pedicles of T3, and the L5 nerve roots exit through the L5-S1 neural foramina below the pedicles of L5).
