Brachial plexus Flashcards
The brachial plexus is composed of what sort of nerves?
Composed of network of ventral rami providing motor and cutaneous innervation to the upper limb.
Sensory injurys that follow a myotomal or dermatomal pattern are usually a damage to what sort of structure/
Typically damage to roots or trunks as a result of trauma to the neck.
Sensory injuries that follow the distribution of peripheral nerves are generally due to injuries of what structures?
Terminal branches of the brachial plexus as a result of trauma to the upper limb
What is preaxial side vs postaxal side?
Preaxial is the thumb side
Post axial is the ulnar side.
Name what dermatomes provide sensory to
C5 C6 C7 C8 T1
C5: Shoulder C6: Tip of thumb C7: Too variable C8: Tip of fifth digit T1: medial forearm at cubital region
What does the C5 myotome provide?
Abduction of the shoulder and flexion of the elbow
What does the C6 myotome provide?
Provides extension of the wrist.
What does the C7 myotome provide?
C7 provides flexion of the wrist and extension of the fingers.
What does the combination of C7 and C8 myotomes provide?
These both provide extension of the elbow.
What does the C8 myotome provide?
Flexion of the fingers.
What does the T1 myotome provide?
T1 provides abduction/adduction of the fingers.
What reflexes do the C5, C6, and C7 initiate?
C5 initiates biceps reflex
C6 initiates the brachioradialis reflex
C7 initiates the tricep reflex.
What area of the body can be touched to test the axillary nerve?
Lateral aspect of the deltoid
What area of the body can be touched to test the Musculocutaneous nerve?
Lateral fore arm via the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
What area of the body can be touched to test the Radial nerve?
Dorsum of the webbing between the thumb and index finger via the superficial branch!
