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Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
AnatomyUpper limbOverview
Table of contents

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Main nerves of the upper limb

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify the main nerves supplying the upper limb.
  2. Describe each nerve's origin from the brachial plexus.
  3. Name the region supplied by each upper limb nerve.

Watch video

The nerves of the upper extremity all arise from a network called the brachial plexus. This meshwork of nerves is formed from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5- T1 and sits within the root of the neck. Watch the following video to learn how the nerve branches of the brachial plexus interconnect, and how they eventually form the main nerves supplying the structures of the upper limb.

Take a quiz

Custom quiz: Overview of the upper limb For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Brachial plexus
Plexus brachialis
1/10
Synonyms: none

Summary

Key points
Main nerves of the upper limb Musculocutaneous nerve, axillary nerve, radial nerve, median nerve and ulnar nerve
Origin in the brachial plexus Musculocutaneous nerve: lateral cord
Axillary nerve: posterior cord
Radial nerve: posterior cord
Median nerve: lateral and medial cords
Ulnar nerve: medial cord
Region supplied by each nerve Shoulder: axillary nerve
Anterior arm: musculocutaneous nerve
Posterior arm and forearm: radial nerve
Anterolateral forearm and lateral hand: median nerve
Anteromedial forearm and medial hand: ulnar nerve
Lateral 3½ fingers: digital branches of median and radial nerve
Medial 1½ finger: digital branches of ulnar nerve

Well done!

Related articles

Neurovasculature of the upper limb Read article
Brachial plexus Read article

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