Brachial Plexus Flashcards
Arrangement of brachial plexus
REAL TEENAGERS DRINK COLD BEER
Roots (eg C5-T1) Trunks (superior, middle, inferior) Divisions (anterior and posterior) Cords (Lateral, Posterior and Medial) Branches
Peripheral nerves of brachial plexus (main branch)
Musculocutaneous Median Ulnar Axillary Radial
Lateral branches
Musculocutaneous
Median
Medial branch
Ulnar
Posterior branches
Axillary
Radial
What do anterior divisions, cords and branches supply?
Anterior compartments
What do posterior divisions/cords supply?
Posterior compartments
Anterior compartments
Musculocutaneous
Median
Ulnar
(lateral and medial branches)
Posterior compartment nerves
Axillary
Radial
Musculocutaneous nerve
Nerve root: C5-C7
Motor: anterior arm (biceps)
Sensory: Lateral forearm
(3 musketeers)
Axillary nerve
Nerve root: C5 and C6
Motor: shoulder muscles
Sensory: Lateral arm (regimental badge)
(2 assassinated)
Median nerve
Nerve root: C6 C7 C8 T1
Motor: Anterior forearm
Sensory: Lateral 3 digits of hand (thumb to half of ring finger)
(4 mice)
Radial nerve
Nerve roots: C5 C6 C7 C8 T1
Motor: Posterior arm/forearm
Sensory: Posterior arm/forearm
(RADIAL = posterior, 5 rats)
Ulnar
Nerve roots: C8 T1
Motor supply: Intrinsic hand muscles
Sensory: medial 1 1/2 digits of hand (little finger and half ring finger)
(2 unicorns)
How is brachial plexus injured?
Upper plexus: Excessive lateral flexion of neck
Lower plexus; Hyperabduction/extension of shoulder
Nerve roots affected in upper and lower plexus injuries
Upper: C5 and C6
Lower: C8 and T1
Long thoracic nerve roots
C5-C7 (directly from nerve roots)
Medial and lateral pectoral cords nerve roots
Medial pectoral: from medial cord (C8-T1)
Lateral pectoral: from lateral cord (C5-C7)
Identify brachial plexus from prosection
LOOK FOR M Y shape = median nerve Follow up to lateral branch Find where musculocutaneous comes off Follow median nerve to medial branch = ulnar nerve
Posterior branch is below artery deeeeep
First branch off = axillary
Longer branch = radial
Injury to upper brachial plexus =
'Waiters tip' (C5 and C6 affected) Elbow extended Adducted Internally rotated Wrist flexion Pronation
= ‘erbs palsy’
Injury to lower brachial plexus =
C8 and T1 affected
Klumpke’s palsy
Claw hand (abduction of thumb, flexion interphlalangeal and extension of metacarpophalangeal joints)
Actions to injure upper plexus
Head to shoulder (birthing when shoulders impacted)
Actions to injure lower plexus
Falls from tree and grabs branch as falling
Babies arm delivered first and traction applied
