Cutaneous nerves of upper limb

Question 1

Supraclavicular nerves

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 1

C3, C4

Cervical plexus

Pass anterior to clavicle, immediately deep to platysma, and supply skin over clavicle and superolateral aspect of pectoralis major

Question 2

Superior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 2

C5, C6

Terminal branch of axillary nerve

Emerges from beneath posterior margin of deltoid and supplies skin over lower part of this muscle and on lateral side of midarm

Question 3

Inferior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 3

C5, C6

Radial nerve (or posterior cutaneous nerve of arm)

Perforates lateral head of triceps, passing close to cephalic vein to supply skin over inferolateral aspect of arm

Question 4

Posterior cutaneous nerve of arm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 4

C5-C8

Radial nerve (in axilla)

Crosses posterior to and communicates with intercostobrachial nerve and supplies skin on posterior arm as far as olecranon

Question 5

Posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 5

C5-C8

Radial nerve (w/ inferior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm)

Perforates lateral head of triceps, descends laterally in arm, then runs along and supplies posterior forearm to wrist

Question 6

Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 6

C6-C7

Musculocutaneous n (terminal br)

Emerges lateral to biceps tendon deep to cephalic v, supplying skin of anterolateral forearm to wrist

Question 7

Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 7

C8-T1

Medial cord of brachial plexus (in axilla)

Descends medial to brachial artery, pierces deep fascia with basilic v in midarm, dividing into anterior and posterior branches that enter forearm and supply skin of anteromedial aspect of wrist

Question 8

Medial cutaneous nerve of arm

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 8

C8-T2

Medial cord of brachial plexus (in axilla)

Communication with intercostobrachial nerve, continuing to supply skin of medial aspect of distal arm

Question 9

Intercostobrachial nerve

Contributing spinal nerves

Source

Course and distribution

Answer 9

T2

2nd intercostal nerve (as its lateral cutaneous br)

Extends laterally, communicating with posterior and medial cutaneous nerves of arm, supplying skin of axilla and medial aspect of proximal arm