Branches of Brachial Plexus Found in Axilla

Question 1

The nerve to the subclavius

Answer 1

(C5 and C6) supplies the subclavius muscle

It is important clinically because it may give a contribution (C5) to the phrenic nerve; this branch, when present, is referred to as the accessory phrenic nerve.

Question 2

The long thoracic nerve

Answer 2

(C5, 6, and 7) arises from the roots of the brachial plexus in the neck

It descends over the lateral surface of the serratus anterior muscle, and supplies it.

Question 3

The lateral pectoral nerve

Answer 3

arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. supplies the pectoralis major muscle

Question 4

The musculocutaneous nerve

Answer 4

arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus supplies the coracobrachialis muscle, and leaves the axilla by piercing that muscle

Question 5

The lateral root of the median nerve

Answer 5

is the direct continuation of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus It is joined by the medial root to form the median nerve trunk and this passes downward on the lateral side of the axillary artery

(The median nerve gives off no
branches in the axilla)

Question 6

The medial pectoral nerve

Answer 6

arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus

supplies and pierces the pectoralis minor muscle, and supplies the pectoralis major muscle

Question 7

The medial cutaneous nerve of the arm

Answer 7

(T1) arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and is joined by the intercostobrachial nerve (lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve).

It supplies the skin on the medial side of the arm.

Question 8

The medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm

Answer 8

arises from the medial cord of the
brachial plexus and descends in front of
the axillary artery

Question 9

The ulnar nerve

Answer 9

(C8 and T1) arises from the medial cord
of the brachial plexus and descends in
the interval between the axillary artery
and vein

The ulnar nerve gives off no branches
in the axilla

Question 10

The medial root of the median nerve

Answer 10

arises from the medial cord of the
brachial plexus and crosses in front of
the third part of the axillary artery to
join the lateral root of the median nerve

Question 11

The upper and lower subscapular nerves

Answer 11

arise from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and supply the upper and lower parts of the subscapularis muscle
The lower subscapular nerve supplies the teres muscle

Question 12

The thoracodorsal nerve

Answer 12

arises from the posterior cord of the
brachial plexus and runs downward
to supply the latissimus dorsi
muscle

Question 13

The axillary nerve

Answer 13

We already discussed that (You probably forgot everything about it, but who cares? you gonna fail anyway)

Question 14

The radial nerve

Answer 14

is the largest
branch of the brachial plexus
and lies behind the axillary
artery