What nerve provides motor innervation for the right thoracic diaphragm?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 12, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

The right phrenic nerve provides motor innervation for the right thoracic diaphragm. This nerve originates from cervical spinal cord segments C3-C5 (primarily C4) and travels through the neck and thorax to reach the diaphragm, as stated in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 1. The phrenic nerve contains both motor fibers that stimulate diaphragmatic contraction during inspiration and sensory fibers that transmit proprioceptive information from the diaphragm.

The diaphragm's innervation is exclusive to the phrenic nerve, making phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) a specific means to investigate the diaphragm independent of other inspiratory muscles, according to the ats/ers statement on respiratory muscle testing 1. Damage to the right phrenic nerve can result in paralysis of the right hemidiaphragm, potentially causing respiratory compromise. Key points to consider include:

  • The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration, and its contraction increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, creating negative pressure that draws air into the lungs during inspiration.
  • Each hemidiaphragm receives innervation from its corresponding phrenic nerve, with the right phrenic nerve specifically controlling the right side of the diaphragm.
  • Phrenic nerve stimulation can provide important information about the mechanical function of the diaphragm, including the force of contraction and pressure generation, as discussed in the context of twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi,tw) and twitch mouth pressure (Pmo,tw) 1.

From the Research

Motor Innervation of the Right Thoracic Diaphragm

The nerve responsible for providing motor innervation to the right thoracic diaphragm is the phrenic nerve.

  • The right phrenic nerve reaches the diaphragm near the inferior vena cava and branches into 3 major divisions 2.
  • The phrenic nerve has been used as a motor fiber donor in brachial plexus neurotization, showing great results in terms of motor reinnervation 2.
  • Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) has been used to prevent diaphragmatic dysfunction and ventilator-induced lung injury, and has been shown to be feasible and safe in lung-healthy and critically ill patients 3.
  • Non-invasive electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve has been demonstrated to be effective in inducing diaphragm contractions and maintaining diaphragm health 4.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Related Questions

How do you check for a negative phrenic sign (also known as Sniff sign)?
Where does the phrenic nerve exit the brachial (plexus)?
What is the cause of phrenic nerve denervation in patients undergoing open heart transplant (Orthotopic Heart Transplantation, OHT)?
What maneuver is most likely to increase the intensity of a midsystolic murmur in an asymptomatic 14-year-old boy with a dual-peaked carotid pulse and a faint midsystolic murmur, whose father experienced sudden cardiac arrest (sudden cardiac death)?
What is the approach to a 61-year-old female with pancytopenia (a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of red and white blood cells, and platelets) and abnormal laboratory values, including unspecified abnormalities?
What diagnostic tests are required for aspiration pneumonitis?
What is the best next step in managing a 2-hour-old boy with meconium aspiration syndrome, hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and decreased oxygen saturation, confirmed by chest x-ray and echocardiogram showing decreased right ventricular output?
What is the most likely cause of persistent cyanosis in a 2-hour-old newborn with normal S1, single and loud S2, and no murmur, unresponsive to oxygen therapy?
What is the indicated treatment for a 6-month-old previously healthy child with a stool culture positive for Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) after completing antibiotic therapy for otitis media, now asymptomatic?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question