Brachial plexus and nerves of upper limb (supraclavicular branches)

Question 1

What is the origin of the dorsal scapular?

Answer 1

Posterior aspect of anterior ramus of C5 with a frequent contribution from C4

Question 2

What is the course of the dorsal scapular?

Answer 2

Pierces middle scalene; descends deep to levator scapula and rhomboids

Question 3

What are the structure innervated by the dorsal scapular?

Answer 3

Rhomboids; occasionally supplies levator scapulae

Question 4

What is the origin of the long thoracic?

Answer 4

Posterior aspect of anterior rami of C5, C6, C7

Question 5

What is the course of the long thoracic?

Answer 5

Passes through cervico-axillary canal, descending posterior to C8 and T1 roots of plexus; runs inferiorly on superficial surface of serratus anterior

Question 6

What are the structures innervated by long thoracic?

Answer 6

Serratus anterior

Question 7

What is the origin of the suprascapular?

Answer 7

Superior trunk, recieving fibers from C5, C6, and often C4

Question 8

What is the course of the suprascapular?

Answer 8

Passes laterally across lateral cervical region, superior to brachial plexus; then through scapular notch inferior to superior transverse scapular ligament

Question 9

What are the structures innervated by the suprascapular?

Answer 9

Supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles; glenohumeral joint

Question 10

What is the origin of the subclavian nerve?

Answer 10

Superior trunk, recieving fibers from C5, C6, and often C4

Question 11

What is the course of the subclavian nerve?

Answer 11

Descends posterior to clavicle and anterior to brachial plexus and subclavian artery; often giving an accessory root to phrenic nerve

Question 12

What are the structures innervated by the subclavian nerve?

Answer 12

Subclavius and sternoclavicular joint (accessory phrenic root innervates diaphragm)