brainscape_brachial_plexus_flashcards
What is the brachial plexus?
A somatic plexus formed by the anterior rami of C5-C8 and most of T1, originating in the neck and passing into the axilla.
How is the brachial plexus divided?
Divided into roots, trunks, divisions, and cords.
Where do the roots of the brachial plexus lie?
Between the anterior and middle scalene muscles, superior and posterior to the subclavian artery.
What are the trunks of the brachial plexus?
Upper trunk: union of C5 and C6 roots.
Middle trunk: continuation of C7 root.
Lower trunk: union of C8 and T1 roots.
How are the divisions of the brachial plexus formed?
Each trunk divides into an anterior and a posterior division.
What are the cords of the brachial plexus and their origins?
Lateral cord: anterior divisions of upper and middle trunks (C5-C7).
Posterior cord: posterior divisions of all trunks (C5-T1).
Medial cord: anterior division of the lower trunk (C8-T1).
What are the terminal branches of the lateral cord?
Musculocutaneous nerve and the lateral root of the median nerve.
What are the terminal branches of the posterior cord?
Axillary nerve and the radial nerve.
What are the terminal branches of the medial cord?
Medial root of the median nerve and the ulnar nerve.
What are the branches of the roots of the brachial plexus?
Dorsal scapular nerve (C5), Long thoracic nerve (C5-C7), and First intercostal nerve (T1).
What are the branches of the upper trunk?
Suprascapular nerve and subclavius nerve.
What are the branches of the lateral cord?
Lateral pectoral nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, and lateral root of the median nerve.
What are the branches of the medial cord?
Medial pectoral nerve, medial cutaneous nerve of the arm, medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm, ulnar nerve, and the medial root of the median nerve.
What are the branches of the posterior cord?
Superior subscapular nerve, thoracodorsal nerve, inferior subscapular nerve, axillary nerve, and radial nerve.
