AnatomyUpper limbNerves and vessels

Brachial plexus: want to learn more about it?

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Brachial plexus

Learning objectives:

This study unit will help you to:

1. Identify the two main parts of the brachial plexus.
2. Name the structures (roots, trunks, divisions, cords) that form the brachial plexus.
3. Name the lateral and terminal branches of the brachial plexus and their supply areas.

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The brachial plexus is a network of nerves located in the neck region, between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. It passes through the axilla and courses through the arm to innervate the muscles, joints and skin of the upper limb. According to its anatomical position, the brachial plexus is divided into two main parts: supraclavicular and infraclavicular. The supraclavicular part (rami and trunks with their branches) of the brachial plexus is located in the posterior triangle of the neck, while its infraclavicular part (cords and their branches) is in the axilla. The brachial plexus gives off lateral branches (anterior and posterior) and five major terminal branches.

This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of the brachial plexus.

Learning the anatomy of the brachial plexus can be a real challenge, but no worries, we have prepared a video with a number of mnemonics that will help you memorize all structures of the brachial plexus.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched the videos about the brachial plexus, test your knowledge by taking our quiz.

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Browse atlas

The brachial plexus is formed by five anterior rami (roots) that originate from the cervical and thoracic spinal cord (C5, C6, C7, C8, T1). These roots merge to form three trunks, the superior (C5-6), middle (C7) and inferior (C8-T1). The three trunks then divide into anterior and posterior divisions, six divisions altogether. The six divisions then reform, resulting in three cords -posterior, lateral and medial cords. Finally, the brachial plexus gives off five terminal branches that are in charge of the motor and sensory supply to the upper limb. From lateral to medial, these are the musculocutaneous nerve, axillary nerve, median nerve, radial nerve and ulnar nerve. The brachial plexus also gives off a number of lateral branches along the way.

Now you can take a closer look at the components of the brachial plexus with our image gallery:

Summary

Key points about the brachial plexus
Roots	C5, C6, C7, C8, T1
Structural organization	Trunks: Superior, middle, inferior Divisions: Three anterior and three posterior Cords: Posterior, lateral and medial
Terminal branches	Musculocutaneous nerve, axillary nerve, median nerve, radial nerve, ulnar nerve
Lateral branches	Anterior: Medial and lateral pectoral nerves, subclavian nerve Posterior: Dorsal scapular nerve, suprascapular nerve, subscapular nerves, long thoracic nerve, thoracodorsal nerve
Function	Complete sensory and motor innervation of the arm

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Continue your learning

Now that you're familiar with the general organization and function of the brachial plexus, continue your learning by taking a look at the other major nerve plexuses in the body.