The ring and pinky fingers are innervated by which spinal level?

The correct choice is based on the anatomical understanding of nerve innervation in the hand. The ring and pinky fingers are primarily innervated by the ulnar nerve, which arises from the brachial plexus and is predominantly associated with the spinal roots of C8 and T1. Specifically, the intrinsic muscles responsible for the movement and sensation in the ring and pinky fingers receive signals from the C8 spinal level.

While the T1 level contributes to the ulnar nerve’s function, it is C8 that plays a key role in the sensory and motor supply to the ring and pinky fingers. This emphasizes the importance of C8 in providing both movement through the flexor and intrinsic muscles and sensation to the skin of these fingers, making it the most accurate choice among the options provided.

The other options, such as C6 and C7, do not directly correspond to the innervation of these fingers since they primarily serve other muscles in the arm and hand. Understanding the specific spinal roots involved helps clarify the anatomy and function of the ulnar nerve in the hand.