Brachial and Lumbosacral Plexi Flashcards
what is the brachial plexus?
formed by intercommunications among the ventral rami of C5 through T1
describe the course of the brachial plexus?
from the vertebral column to the axilla
- deep to clavicle but superficial to ribs 1 and 2
- transverses between scalenes
what is the axillary sheath?
contains initial portion of axially vessels + brachial plexus
what is the motor function of the brachial plexus?
provides motor function to all muscles of the upper limb with the exception of the trapezius and levator scapula
what is the sensory function of the brachial plexus?
supplies all sensory input from upper limb with exception of axilla and mid sagittal dorsal skin
what is the result of the brachial plexus?
results in peripheral nerves being composed of multiple spinal roots
how is the organization of the brachial plexus organized?
roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches
what are the roots of the brachial plexus?
anterior rami of the C5-T1
how are the trunks of the brachial plexus formed?
merging of roots
what comprises the trunk of the brachial plexus?
superior trunk
middle trunk
inferior trunk
what forms the superior trunk of the brachial plexus?
formed by the combination of C5 and C6 roots
what is the middle trunk of the brachial plexus?
a continuation of C7
what forms the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus?
formed by the combination of C8 and T1 roots
what are the divisions of the brachial plexus?
each of the trunks bifurcates»_space; named according to whether they are anterior or posterior to axillary artery
how are the cords of the brachial plexus?
formed by merging of 2 or 3 divisions»_space; named in relation to the axillary artery (lateral cord, posterior cord and medial cord)
where do the branches terminate and what are the branches of the brachial plexus?
terminate in five major nerves of the upper extremity
radial nerve axillary nerve median nerve musculocutaneous nerve ulnar nerve
what are the roots and innervations of the radial nerve?
(1) roots = C5 – T1
(2) innervates the triceps brachii and the extensor muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm