Brachial plexus

Question 1

What are the spinal roots

Answer 1

C5-8 and T1

Question 2

What forms superior trunk

Answer 2

C5 and C6

Question 3

What forms middle trunk

Answer 3

C7

Question 4

What forms inferior trunk

Answer 4

C8 and T1

Question 5

How are the cords named

Answer 5

Positions relative to the Axillary artery

Question 6

What forms the lateral cord

Answer 6

Anterior divisions of superior and middle trunks

Question 7

What forms the posterior cord

Answer 7

Posterior divisions of all 3 trunks (superior, middle and inferior)

Question 8

What forms the medial cord

Answer 8

Anterior division of inferior trunk

Question 9

Lateral cord gives rise to

Answer 9

Musculocutaneous and Median nerves

Lateral pectoral nerve

Question 10

Posterior cord gives rise to

Answer 10

Axillary and radial nerves

Superior and inferior subscapular nerves, thoracodorsal nerve

Question 11

Medial cord gives rise to

Answer 11

Ulnar nerve
Median nerve

Medial pectoral nerve, medial cutaneous nerve of arm and forearm

Question 12

Minor branches from roots

Answer 12

Dorsal scapular nerve C5

Long thoracic nerve C5-7

Question 13

Minor branches from superior trunk

Answer 13

Suprascapular nerve

Nerve to subclavius

Question 14

Anterior or posterior rami?

Answer 14

Anterior

Question 15

What can be damaged in Axillary node clearance

Answer 15

Long thoracic nerve - winged scapula evident when patient pushes on a wall

Question 16

What is Erb’s palsy

Answer 16

Upper brachial plexus damage caused by excessive angle between neck and shoulder

Question 17

Nerves damaged in Erb’s palsy

Answer 17

C5 and C6 damaged,

Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Suprascapular and nerve to subclavius

Question 18

Movements lost in Erb’s palsy

Answer 18

Abduction of arm, lateral rotation of arm, supination of forearm and flexion at shoulder

Question 19

Sensation lost in Erb’s palsy

Answer 19

Lateral side of arm

Question 20

Deformity of Erb’s palsy

Answer 20

Waiters tip

Due to unopposed action of pec major and loss of function of biceps brachii

Question 21

What is klumpke’s palsy

Answer 21

Lower brachial plexus damage due to excessive abduction of arm

Question 22

Nerves damaged in klumpke’s palsy

Answer 22

T1 damaged

Median and ulnar nerves

Question 23

Muscles damaged in klumpke’s palsy

Answer 23

Small muscles of hands

Question 24

Sensation lost in klumpke’s palsy

Answer 24

Medial side of arm

Question 25

Deformity of klumpke’s palsy

Answer 25

Ulnar claw