The Shoulder Complex - Nerves

What are the three main nerves of the upper limb?

The Radial nerve, the Ulnar nerve, the Median

Where does the Radial nerve exit the spine?

The Radial nerve exits the spine at C5-T1

Where does the Radial nerve go after exiting the spine?

Travels to the Brachial Plexus (in the Axilla)

Where does the Radial nerve go after travelling to the Brachial Plexus?

Travels distally down the Humerus within the Radial Groove

Where does the Radial nerve go after travelling within the Radial Groove?

Travels anteriorly to the Lateral Epicondyle

Where does the Radial nerve go after travelling to the Lateral Epicondyle?

Travels distally along the Radius to the Base of the First Metacarpal, through the ‘anatomical snuffbox’

Where does the Radial nerve go after travelling through to the Base of the First Metacarpal?

Finishes laterally over the First, Second and Third Digits (dorsal surface)

What muscles at the shoulder complex are innervated by the Radial nerve?

Triceps Brachii Long Head

Where does the Ulnar nerve exit the spine?

The Ulnar nerve exits the spine at C5-T1 (mainly C8/T1)

Where does the Ulnar nerve go after exiting the spine?

Travels to the Brachial Plexus (in the Axilla)

Where does the Ulnar nerve go after travelling to the Brachial Plexus?

Travels distally along the medial side of the Humerus to the elbow

Where does the Ulnar nerve go after travelling along the medial side of the Humerus?

Travels distally between the Medial Epicondyle and the Olecranon

Where does the Ulnar nerve go after travelling between the Medial Epicondyle and Olecranon?

Travels distally along the Ulna to the wrist and passes between Pisiform and Hamate (Guyon’s Canal)

Where does the Ulnar nerve go after passing between Pisiform and Hamate?

Finishes on the palmar and dorsal surface of the hand into the Fourth and Fifth Digits

Where does the Median nerve exit the spine?

The Median nerve exits the spine at C5-T1 (mainly C6-T1)

Where does the Median nerve go after exiting the spine?

Travels to the Brachial Plexus (in the Axilla)

Where does the Median nerve go after travelling to the Brachial Plexus?

Travels distally down the medial side of Biceps Brachii

Where does the Median nerve go after travelling down Biceps Brachii?

Enters the anterior compartment of the forearm via the Cubital Fossa

Where does the Median nerve go after entering the anterior compartment of the forearm?

Travels down the anterior forearm between Flexor Digitorum Profundus and Superficialis

Where does the Median nerve go after travelling between Flexor Digitorum Longus and Superficialis?

Enters the palm of the hand via the Carpal Tunnel

Where does the Median nerve go after passing through the Carpal Tunnel?

Terminates over the First, Second, Third and Radial Side of the Fourth Digit (palmar surface)