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The Anatomy of Brachial Plexus: A Comprehensive Guide

George R.R. Martin

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The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord and innervates the upper limb. It is responsible for motor and sensory function in the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. The brachial plexus is formed by the ventral rami of the lower four cervical nerves (C5-C8) and the first thoracic nerve (T1). These nerves combine to form three trunks, which then divide into six divisions, which finally form the cords of the brachial plexus.

The Anatomy of Brachial Plexus

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Origins and Course

The brachial plexus originates from the ventral rami of the lower four cervical nerves (C5-C8) and the first thoracic nerve (T1). These nerves exit the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina and join together to form the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus then travels through the neck and axilla to reach the upper limb.

Branches

The brachial plexus gives rise to a number of branches, which innervate the muscles and skin of the upper limb. The main branches of the brachial plexus are:

Musculocutaneous nerve: This nerve innervates the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles.
Median nerve: This nerve innervates the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, and the muscles of the thenar eminence.
Ulnar nerve: This nerve innervates the flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum profundus, and the muscles of the hypothenar eminence.
Radial nerve: This nerve innervates the triceps brachii, brachioradialis, and extensor muscles of the forearm and hand.
Axillary nerve: This nerve innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles.
Suprascapular nerve: This nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

Variations

The anatomy of the brachial plexus can vary from person to person. The most common variations are:

C5 palsy: This is a condition in which the C5 nerve root is damaged, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the deltoid, biceps brachii, and brachialis muscles.
C6 palsy: This is a condition in which the C6 nerve root is damaged, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the biceps brachii, brachialis, and wrist flexor muscles.
C7 palsy: This is a condition in which the C7 nerve root is damaged, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the wrist extensors and triceps brachii muscle.
C8 palsy: This is a condition in which the C8 nerve root is damaged, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the hand muscles.
Thoracic outlet syndrome: This is a condition in which the brachial plexus is compressed by the muscles and bones of the thoracic outlet, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper limb.

Clinical Significance

The anatomy of the brachial plexus is essential for understanding the function of the upper limb and for diagnosing and treating injuries to the brachial plexus. Injuries to the brachial plexus can occur from a variety of causes, including trauma, surgery, and radiation therapy. These injuries can result in a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, weakness, and paralysis. The treatment of brachial plexus injuries depends on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause.

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves that innervates the upper limb. The anatomy of the brachial plexus is essential for understanding the function of the upper limb and for diagnosing and treating injuries to the brachial plexus. By understanding the anatomy of the brachial plexus, we can better understand the function of the upper limb and how to treat injuries to this important nerve network.

The Anatomy of Brachial Plexus

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