AnatomyUpper limbOverview

Main nerves of the upper limb: want to learn more about it?

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Main nerves of the upper limb

Learning objectives

In this study unit you will learn how to:

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

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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.

Learn more about nerves and how they form nerve plexuses such as the brachial plexus found in the upper limb by watching these two videos.

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Browse atlas

Upper limb nerves (posterior view): The axillary and radial nerve both branch off from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. The axillary supplies the shoulder region, whilst the radial nerve supplies the posterior arm and forearm. The musculocutaneous nerve arises from the lateral cord and mainly supplies the anterior arm. The median nerve arises from both the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus and supplies the anterolateral forearm and the lateral hand. Lastly, the ulnar nerve branches off the medial cord and supplies the anteromedial forearm and the medial hand.

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
Upper limb 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

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