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.
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.
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Summary
| 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 |
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