Brachial plexus Flashcards
Five parts of the brachial plexus
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Roots Trunks Divisions Cords Branches
What are the roots formed from?
Anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1
Where do the roots pass?
Between anterior + middle scalene muscles
Posterior triangle of neck
Where do the roots converge into trunks?
Base of neck
Superior trunk = C5 +6
Middle trunk = C7
Inferior trunk = C8 + T1
Where do the trunks pass?
Superior + middle = superior to subclavian artery
Lower = over 1st rib, posterior to subclavian artery/middle 1/3rd of clavicle
Where do the trunks supply?
Superior = muscles of shoulder Middle = muscles of elbow Inferior = muscles of hand
Where are the divisions found?
Posterior to middle 1/3rd of clavicle
Apex of axilla
In posterior triangle of neck
What are the divisions?
3 anterior
3 posterior
Where are the cords found?
Medial cord = medial to axillary artery
Lateral cord = lateral to ax. art.
Posterior cord = posterior to ax. art.
What forms the lateral cord?
Ant. divisions of superior + middle trunk
What forms the posterior cord?
Post. divisions of superior, middle, inferior trunks
What forms the medial cord?
Ant. division of inferior trunk
What are the branches of the posterior cord (posterior divisions)? What compartments of the upper limb do they supply?
Axillary + radial nerves
Extensor (posterior/ventral) compartments
What are the branches of the medial + lateral cords (anterior divisions)? What compartments of the upper limb do they supply?
Ulnar, median, musculocutaneous nerves
Flexor (anterior/dorsal) compartments
What are the nerve roots for the lateral and medial pectoral nerves?
Lateral = C5-7 from lateral cord Medial = C8-T1 from medial cord
