Brachial Plexus Flashcards
Sections of the brachial plexus
Roots (Really) Trunks (Tired) Divisions (Don't) Cords (Care) Branches /Nerves (Now)
Roots
C1-5 T1
Trunks
Superior (C5 and 6), middle (C7), inferior (C8, T1)
Divisions
Arrow = posterior Rest = anterior
Cords
Lateral, posterior, medial
Nerves
Musculocutaneous (C5-C7) Axillary (C5, C6) Median (C5-C8, T1) Radial (C5-C8, T1) Ulnar (C8, T1)
Minor branches from roots
Long thoracic nerve
Dorsal scapular nerve
Minor branches from trunks
Suprascapular nerve
Nerve to subclavius
Minor branches from lateral cord
Lateral pectoral nerve
Minor branches from medial cord
Medial pectoral nerve
Medial cutaneous nerve of arm
Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm
Minor branches from posterior cord
Superior subscapular nerve
Thoracodorsal nerve
Inferior subscapular nerve
Erb’s Palsy
Excessive increase in angle between the neck and shoulder, limb hangs limp, medially rotated by pec major
Forearm pronated due to bicep loss (waiter’s tip)
Musculocutaneous, axillary, suprascapular and nerve to subclavius
Muscles paralysed - supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subclavius, biceps brachii, brachialis, coracobrachialis, deltoid and teres minor
Motor functions weakened - abduction at shoulder, lateral rotation of arm, supination of forearm and flexion of shoulder
Sensory functions lost - sensation down lateral side of arm
Klumpke Palsy
Excessive abduction of the arm
Metacarpophalangeal joints are hyperextended, interphalangeal joints are flexed, gives hand a clawed appearance
Nerves affected - ulna and median
Muscles paralysed - all the small muscles of the hand
Sensory functions - loss of sensation along medial side of arm
