
From the supraclavicular part of the brachial plexus, the nerves exit either via the trunks or directly from the spinal nerves to innervate the shoulder girdle muscles:
- Dorsal scapular nerve (C4–C5): levator scapulae muscle and rhomboid major and minor muscles
- Suprascapular nerve (C4–C6): subclavius
- Long thoracic nerve (C5–C7): serratus anterior
- Subclavian nerve (C5–C6): supraspinatus and infraspinatus
Which spinal nerves do not form plexus?
cervical, brachial (not equal to thoracic), lumbar, sacral, coccygeal. thoracic nerves DO NOT form a plexus. Also, what muscles do the thoracic nerves innervate? They supply the Rectus abdominis and end as the anterior cutaneous branches of the abdomen; they supply the skin of the front of the abdomen.
What is the advantage of having nerve plexus?
Plexus Nerve contains a combination of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and herbs that function together to restore the health of nerves and strengthen nervous system. Plexus Nerve Worldwide has performed research on each ingredient added to the nerve pain formula to ensure it does an effective job in decreasing nerve pain, burning sensation, tingling feeling, and numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.
What muscle is innervated by the trochlear nerve?
The trochlear nerve (/ˈtrɒklɪər/), also called the fourth cranial nerve or CN IV, is a motor nerve (a somatic efferent nerve) that innervates just one muscle: the superior oblique muscle of the eye, which operates through the pulley-like trochlea.
What nerves carry nerve impulses away from the spinal cord?
The X nervous system conducts impulses from the brain and spinal cord to skeletal muscle, thereby causing us to respond or react to changes in our external environment. Somatic Neurons that have several dendrites and one axon are known as X neurons.
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How many brachial plexus nerves are there?
Brachial Plexus Anatomy The brachial plexus ends in five major nerve branches that extend down the arm: Musculocutaneous nerve: Originates from nerve roots C5-C7 and flexes muscles in the upper arm, at both the shoulder and elbow.
What are the 6 divisions of the brachial plexus?
NervesBrachial Plexus.Axillary Nerve.Musculocutaneous Nerve.Median Nerve.Radial Nerve.Ulnar Nerve.
Which of the following nerves is not part of the brachial plexus?
The accessory nerve is also known as cranial nerve 11 and innervates neck and back muscles. It is not part of the brachial plexus though.
How do you remember the nerves of the brachial plexus?
1:504:12Brachial plexus mnemonics - Human Anatomy | Kenhub - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlexus. So rugby teams don't cover bruises stands for roots trunks divisions cords and branches andMorePlexus. So rugby teams don't cover bruises stands for roots trunks divisions cords and branches and that's it our brachial plexus mnemonic rugby teams don't covered bruises.
What nerve roots form the brachial plexus?
The brachial plexus passes from the neck to the axilla and supplies the upper limb. It is formed from the ventral rami of the 5th to 8th cervical nerves and the ascending part of the ventral ramus of the 1st thoracic nerve.
What is a brachial plexus?
Overview. The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord.
Which of the following nerves arise from the brachial plexus quizlet?
-The medial pectoral nerve arises from the medial or lateral cords of the brachial plexus.
What is the correct order of the components of the brachial plexus?
Moving proximal to distal, the plexus is organized into roots (C5 to T1), trunks (upper, middle, lower), divisions (anterior, posterior), and cords (medial, lateral, posterior).
Is the ulnar nerve Part of the brachial plexus?
The ulnar nerve is formed from the C8 and T1 nerve roots. The C8 and T1 roots are part of the brachial plexus that travels from the cervical spine, under the clavicle, through the armpit (axilla), and down the inside of the arm to the inner elbow.
Why is there C8 in brachial plexus?
The C8 nerve contributes to the motor innervation of many of the muscles in the trunk and upper limb. Its primary function is the flexion of the fingers, and this is used as the clinical test for C8 integrity, in conjunction with the finger jerk reflex.
What is Klumpke's palsy?
Klumpke's palsy, or Klumpke's paralysis, is a form of brachial plexus palsy – a paralysis of the arm due to an injury of the network of spinal nerves that originates in the back of the neck, extends through the shoulder and armpit and gives rise to nerves in the arm.
What are the roots trunks divisions and cords of the brachial plexus?
The brachial plexus is divided into five roots, three trunks, six divisions (three anterior and three posterior), three cords, and five branches.
What muscles do c5 and C6 innervate?
The lower subscapular nerve (C5-C6) innervates teres major; and both the upper and lower subscapular nerves innervate the subscapularis, the third muscle of the rotator cuff apparatus.
How many plexus are in the human body?
Nerve Junction Boxes: The Plexuses Four nerve plexuses are located in the trunk of the body: The cervical plexus provides nerve connections to the head, neck, and shoulder. The brachial plexus provides connections to the chest, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, and hands.
What are the branches of posterior cord of brachial plexus?
The branches of posterior cord of brachial plexus include upper subscapular, thoracodorsal, lower subscapular, axillary, and radial nerve.
How many nerves exit the brachial plexus?
1 . Roots (5): The brachial plexus begins when five nerves exit the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord (from the ventral rami). C5-C8: Four nerve roots that exit from the lower section of the cervical spinal cord.
What is the structure of the brachial plexus?
Structure. The brachial plexus is made up of nerve cells that make up the different sections of the brachial plexus. Nerves are made up of axon fibers that transmit information to and from the brain. Nerve cells are surrounded by supportive cells called neuroglia.
What is the brachial plexus?
Anatomy. The brachial plexus consists of a network of nerve roots, cords, and branches that share common functions. There is one brachial plexus on each side of the body that carries the nerves to each arm. The anatomy can be confusing at first, but is easier to conceptualize by breaking it down into five different regions.
What is the C5-C8 nerve?
C5-C8: Four nerve roots that exit from the lower section of the cervical spinal cord. T1: The first nerve exiting the thoracic spinal cord. The roots of the brachial plexus leave the spinal cord and pass behind the scalenus anterior muscle.
How many nerve trunks are there in the spinal cord?
Trunks (3): Shortly after the five nerves exit the spinal cord, they merge to form three nerve trunks.
Why is it important to understand the anatomy of the brachial plexus?
Understanding the anatomy (roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal branches) of the brachial plexus is important in determining the site of an injury and designing treatment.
Where does the brachial plexus originate?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate in the spinal cord in the neck , travel down the neck (via the cervicoaxillary canal) and into the armpit. It contain the nerves that, with only a few exceptions, are responsible for sensation (sensory function) and movement (motor function) of the arms, hands, and fingers.
Which nerve innervates the pectoralis?
The medial anterior thoracic nerve (C8 and T1) innervates the pectoralis major and minor muscles (see figure 6.3). Joining the previously mentioned lateral aspect is the medial aspect of the median nerve (C8 and T1), which innervates most of the anterior muscles of the forearm and some of the hand (see figures 6.4 and 6.5).
Which nerves are in the upper, middle, and lower trunks?
Two nerves coming from one of three groups of nerves of the brachial plexus, known as the upper, middle, and lower trunks, are the subclavian nerve (C4, C5, and C6), innervating the subclavian muscle, and the suprascapular nerve (C4, C5, and C6; figures 6.2 and 6.3), innervating the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles of the rotator cuff.
What are the three cords of nerves?
Three large cords of nerves (lateral, medial, and posterior ) are formed in the brachial plexus from divisions of the upper, middle, and lower trunks of spinal nerves (see figure 6.3). The infraclavicular nerves arising from the lateral cord are the lateral anterior thoracic nerve (C5, C6, and C7), innervating the pectoralis major muscle;
Which nerve innervates the fascia and skin of the forearm?
The medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm (medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve; T1) is not a motor nerve and innervates the skin and fascia on the medial surface of the arm. The ulnar nerve (C8 and T1) innervates the flexor carpi ulnaris and the muscles of the medial aspect of the hand not innervated by the median nerve (see figure 6.4).
Which nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle?
The long thoracic nerve (C5, C6, and C7 anterior and posterior rami; figures 6.2 and 6.3) innervates the serratus anterior muscle. Not illustrated are nerves to the scalene and longus colli muscles of the cervical spine (C2-C8) and a communicating nerve (C5) to the phrenic nerve of the cervical plexus, which are discussed in chapter 10 on ...
Where is the Ulnar nerve located?
The ulnar nerve is easily located between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the olecranon process of the ulna (figure 6.6). Sudden pressure on this area often produces a tingling sensation in the forearm and is referred to as “hitting your funny bone.”.
What are the two parts of the anterior rami?
The anterior rami form the brachial plexus (figure 6.3), which is typically divided into two parts based on their position relative to the clavicle: the supraclavicular (above the clavicle) and the infraclavicular (below the clavicle) parts. Supraclavicular Nerves. The dorsal scapular nerve ...
What is the brachial plexus?
Overview. The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from your spinal cord to your shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord. Minor brachial plexus injuries, known as stingers or burners, ...
How many arms are affected by a brachial plexus injury?
Signs and symptoms of a brachial plexus injury can vary greatly, depending on the severity and location of your injury. Usually only one arm is affected.
What sports can cause a brachial plexus injury?
Participating in contact sports, particularly football and wrestling, or being involved in high-speed motor-vehicle accidents increases your risk of brachial plexus injury.
How to help a baby with brachial plexus palsy?
If you're the parent of a child with a brachial plexus palsy, it's important that you exercise your child's joints and functioning muscles every day, beginning when your baby is just a few weeks old. This helps prevent the joints from becoming permanently stiff and keeps your child's working muscles strong and healthy.
What nerves are injured when your arm is forced above your head?
Damage to the upper nerves that make up the brachial plexus tends to occur when your shoulder is forced down while your neck stretches up and away from the injured shoulder. The lower nerves are more likely to be injured when your arm is forced above your head. These injuries can occur in several ways, including: Contact sports.
What is the most serious injury to the brachial plexus?
The most serious brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord.
Which nerve sends signals from the spine to the arm and hand?
The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that send signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand.
What is a brachial plexus injury?
The brachial plexus can be injured in many different ways — from pressure, stress or being stretched too far. The nerves may also be cut or damaged by cancer or radiation treatment. Sometimes, brachial plexus injuries happen to babies during birth.
How are brachial plexus injuries diagnosed?
A health care provider will examine the hand and arm and test for sensation and function to help diagnose a brachial plexus injury.
What nerves are vulnerable during birth?
In babies, the brachial plexus nerves in the shoulder are vulnerable during birth. Injury to the brachial plexus is fairly common during birth, occurring in one to two births per 1,000. Larger babies in difficult vaginal deliveries are particularly prone to this injury, as are babies of mothers who have diabetes.
How long does it take for a brachial plexus to heal?
Because nerves heal slowly, brachial plexus injury recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity. During this time, regular physical therapy appointments to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures are often necessary.
What is the cause of abrachial plexus avulsion?
A brachial plexus avulsion occurs when the root of the nerve is completely separated from the spinal cord. This injury is usually caused by trauma, such as a car or motorcycle accident. More severe than ruptures, avulsions often cause severe pain. Because it is difficult and usually impossible to reattach the root to the spinal cord, avulsions can lead to permanent weakness, paralysis and loss of feeling.
How much does a brachial plexus injury heal?
Brachial plexus injuries often heal well if they aren’t severe. Many people with minor brachial plexus injuries recover 90%–100% of the normal function of their arms.
What is it called when the nerves are stretched to the point of injury?
When the nerves are stretched to the point of injury, it is referred to as neuropraxia. There are two main ways this injury occurs: compression and traction. In a compression injury, the brachial plexus nerve root is compressed, usually by the rotation of the head.
What are the main components of the brachial plexus?
The brachial plexus is made up of 5 main components: ROOTS: the main nerve roots that make up the brachial plexus are C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1. TRUNKS: the brachial plexus consists of superior, middle, and inferior trunks. DIVISIONS: the brachial plexus consists of anterior and posterior divisions.
Which nerve travels anteriorly to the brachialis muscle?
The musculocutaneous nerve then travels between the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles and gives off an articular branch that travels anteriorly to the brachialis muscle
What nerve is inferior lateral?
Inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve : sensation to the anterior and posterior inferolateral arm. Posterior brachial cutaneous nerve : sensation to middle of the posterior arm. Posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve: sensation to middle of the posterior forearm.
What are the terminal branches of the brachial plexus?
BRANCHES: the terminal branches of the brachial plexus include the musculocutaneous nerve, the axillary nerve, the radial nerve, the median nerve, and the ulnar nerve.
What nerve arises from underneath the supinator muscle?
After the deep branch of the radial nerve arises from underneath the supinator muscle, it becomes the posterior interosseous nerve
Where does the axillary nerve originate?
The axillary nerve originates from the C5-C6 nerve roots and posterior cord of the brachial plexus. The axillary nerve travels through the quadrangular space to supply the deltoid and teres minor muscles. The axillary nerve winds around the surgical neck of the humerus.
What nerve is superior lateral brachial?
Superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve: sensation to skin over the inferior deltoid

What Is Brachial Plexus?
- The Brachial Plexus could be a network of nerves that offers rise to all or any of the motor and sensory nerves of the upper extremity. It rises from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1 that sustain various combinations and splits into trunks and divisions until they finally create their terminal branches. These terminal branches are responsible for sensory and motor innervation …
Anatomy
- The Brachial plexus originates from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1, which form the roots of the brachial plexus. The roots quickly merge to make trunks, which subsequently split into divisions. Finally, the divisions combine into cords of the brachial plexus, that give off the terminus branches of the brachial plexus. Apart from the terminal branches of the plexus brachi…
Roots
- The ‘roots’ reference the anterior rami of the spinal nerves that include the brachial plexus. These are the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1. At each vertebral level, paired spinal nerves arise. They move the funiculus via the intervertebral foramina of the back. Each nerve then divides into two parts an anterior and a posteri...
Trunks
- Each trunk contains a well-known scheme of origin from the roots of the brachial plexus: 1. The superior trunk is created by the roots of C5 and C6. 2. The middle trunk is created from the basis of C7 only. 3. The inferior trunk is created by the roots of C8 and T1. How to easily remember this: imagine that your fingers are the five anterior branches (C5-T1), where C5 is the thumb and T1 i…
Divisions
- As they reach the posterior aspect of the center third of the clavicle, each of the three trunks divides into an anterior and posterior division. This yields a complete 6 divisions (3 anterior and three posteriors), which still pass inferiorly behind the clavicle to enter the axillary region. The divisions don’t produce to any branches. Instead, they are going on to merge with each other to …
Cords
- The cords of the brachial plexus are formed by the three anterior and three posterior divisions that merge in a very specific way: 1. The lateral cord is created by the merger of the anterior division of the superior trunk and the anterior division of the center trunk. 2. The medial cord may be a direct continuation of the anterior division of the inferior trunk. 3. The posterior cord is made by the me…
Branches
- Branches of the lateral cord
The lateral cord provides arise to a couple of preterminal branches; the lateral pectoral nerve and the lateral root of the median nerve. It also provides one of the terminal branches of the brachial plexus, the musculocutaneous nerve. - Branches of the medial cord
The medial cord provides the medial pectoral nerve, medial brachial cutaneous nerve, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, the medial root of the median nerve, as well as the ulnar nerve (another terminal branch of the brachial plexus).
Clinical Significance
- Injury to the plexus brachialis may affect the sensation or movement of various parts of the arm. Injuries are often caused by the shoulder being pushed down and also the head being pulled up, which stretches or tears the nerves. Injuries related to malpositioning commonly affect the nerve plexus nerves, instead of other peripheral nerve groups. because the brachial plexus nerves are …
Specific Branches
- The branches are listed below. They primarily branch from the cords, but some originate from earlier structures.
Clinical Relations
- Brachial plexus injury Injuries to the plexus brachialis affect both motor and sensory functions within the upper limb. Different injuries, like inflammation, stretching, and wounds within the lateral cervical region of the neck or within the axilla may cause nerve plexus injuries, and also the manifestations rely upon the part of the plexus that’s affected. In any case, injuries to the plexus …