Brachial plexus (372-381)

Question 1

Name some hinge joints in the upper limb;

Answer 1

Elbow, Interphalangeal joints of hand,

Question 2

Name some pivot joints in the upper limb;

Answer 2

Radio-ulnar (proximal and distal joint)

Question 3

What are the roots of the branchial plexus? Where do they lie?;

Answer 3

C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1. (The roots refer to the anterior rami of spinal nerves that comprise the brachial plexus). Lies between anterior scalene and medial scalene muscles at back of neck.

Question 4

Where does the trunk of the branchial plexus lie?;

Answer 4

In posterior triangle of neck. Contained within pre-vertebral fascia.

Question 5

Name the nerves that arise from the roots of brachial plexus;

Answer 5

Long thoracic (C5-7), Nerve to subclavius (C5-6), Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Question 6

What structures do the nerves arising from the roots of the brachial plexus supply?;

Answer 6

Long thoracic (C5-7)- serratus anterior.
Nerve to subclavius (C5-6)- subclavius.
Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)- rhomboid major, rhomboid minor and levator scapulae.

Question 7

Name the nerves that arise from the trunk of the brachial plexus;

Answer 7

Suprascapular nerve (from upper trunk - C5-6). Motor branch to supraspinatus & infraspinatus. Sensory branch to acromioclavicular joint.

Question 8

Name some branches that arise from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus;

Answer 8

Lateral pectoral nerve (C5-7). Musculocuatenous ( C5-7). Lateral root of median nerve (C6-T1 once joins medial root of median nerve)

Question 9

What muscles do the nerves arising from the lateral cord innervate?;

Answer 9

Lateral pectoral nerve (C5-7)- pectoralis major. Musculocuatenous ( C5-7)- BBC muscles [biceps, coracobrachialis, brachialis].
Lateral root of median nerve (joins medial root of medial nerve to form medial nerve C6-T1)

Question 10

Name the branches that arise from the medial cord of the brachial plexus;

Answer 10

Medial pectoral nerve (C8-T1).
Medial cutaneous nerve of arm (C8-T1).
Ulnar nerve (C8-T1).
Mediial root of median nerve (C6-T1 once joins lateral root of median nerve)