Brachial Plexus and Nerve Maps of the Upper Limb

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the brachial plexus and the upper limb's nerve mapping.

Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves that originates from the ventral rami of C5-T1 and supplies the upper limb.

Axillary Artery

Continuation of the subclavian artery; divides into three parts and provides blood supply to the shoulder and upper limb.

Medial Pectoral Nerve (C8, T1)

Nerve that innervates pectoralis major and minor muscles.

Long Thoracic Nerve (C5, C6, C7)

Nerve that supplies the serratus anterior muscle.

Median Nerve

Nerve that innervates most of the flexor muscles in the forearm and the thenar muscles in the hand.

Ulnar Nerve

Nerve that runs along the medial side of the arm and forearm, innervating the flexor muscles on the ulnar side.

Radial Nerve

Nerve that innervates the extensor muscles of the arm and forearm.

Suprascapular Nerve (C5, C6)

Nerve that innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

Coracobrachialis Muscle

A muscle in the arm that is innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve.

Erb's Palsy

A condition caused by injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, resulting in weakness of the arm.

Klumpke's Palsy

A form of paralysis resulting from injury to the lower trunk of the brachial plexus, affecting the hand.

Nerve to Subclavius

Nerve that innervates the subclavius muscle.

Thoracodorsal Nerve (C6, C7, C8)

Nerve that innervates the latissimus dorsi muscle.

Musculocutaneous Nerve

Nerve that innervates the anterior flexor compartment of the arm.

Cutaneous Nerves

Nerves that provide sensory innervation to the skin.

Dorsal Scapular Nerve

Nerve that supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae.

Subscapular Nerve (Upper and Lower)

Nerves that innervate the subscapularis and teres major muscles.

Quadrangular Space

An anatomical space in the shoulder region through which the axillary nerve passes.

Brachial Plexus Cords

Divisions of the brachial plexus named for their position relative to the axillary artery.

Lateral Cord

Formed from the anterior divisions of the upper and middle trunks of the brachial plexus.

Medial Cord

Formed from the anterior division of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus.

Posterior Cord

Formed from the posterior divisions of all three trunks of the brachial plexus.

Anterior Scalenus Muscle

Muscle in the neck that is one of the boundaries for where the brachial plexus emerges.

Inferior Trunk

Part of the brachial plexus formed from the C8 and T1 nerve roots.

Divisions of the Brachial Plexus

Each trunk divides into anterior and posterior divisions.

Terminal Branches of the Brachial Plexus

Five main nerves: Radial, Axillary, Ulnar, Median, Musculocutaneous.