The name of the nerve on your side...?

Question

I'm pretty unaware of this [obviously], but I recall my friend telling me about a nerve or something over your rib cage, under your arms, along your side.

Well, he'd poke me there and it would make me jolt up, like a sharp reflex, and that's when he told me about that nerve.

By any chance, is there a particular name for this, and does anyone have any more information regarding it?

Answer 1

The long thoracic nerve runs down that way, but I have never heard of anyone being able to irritate that nerve with a finger poke (I tried it myself). Most people will jump when someone pokes them in the ribs unexpectedly. It's normal instinctive behavior related to the fact that this isn't a part of the body that is often touched and is a part of the body that you instinctively protect (armpit is a vulnerable area). If it is in fact the nerve that he's hitting, you should feel an electric jolt down your side exactly like what you feel in your arm when you hit your funny bone.

Raoul might be right. Your friend may just like you.

Answer 2

you have nerve endings everywhere.

he was just making up an excuse to touch you. he likes you... ;)