Mod5-Obj8: Nerve plexuses Flashcards
Nerve plexuses
After emerging from the vertebral column, most spinal nerves (not thoracic) branch and interconnect to form nerve networks
The four main plexuses that supply the trunk and limbs with sensory and motor innervation
- ) Cervical plexus
- ) Brachial plexus
- ) Lumbar plexus
- ) Sacral plexus
Cervical Plexus
Arises from spinal nerves C1 to C5
- Innervates the skin (sensory) and skeletal muscles (motor) of the
1. ) Head (posterior), neck and shoulders
2. ) Diaphragm
Brachial Plexus
Arises from spinal nerves C4 to T1
- Innervates the skin (sensory) and skeletal muscles (motor) of the
1. ) Shoulders
2. ) Arms
3. ) Hands
Damage to the brachial plexus
Paralysis of upper limb
Lumbar plexus
Arises from spinal nerves L1-L4
- Innervates the skin (sensory) and skeletal muscles (motor) of the:
1. ) Lower abdomen
2. ) Hips
3. ) Anterior&medial thigh, leg& foot
Largest branch of lumbar plexus
Femoral nerve
Damage to lumbar plexus
Walking difficulties
Sacral Plexus
Arises from spinal nerves L4 to S4
- Innervates the skin (sensory) and skeletal muscles (motor) of the:
1. ) Buttocks
2. ) Posterior thigh
3. ) Leg and foot
Largest branch of sacral plexus
Sciatic nerve
Damage to sacral plexus
Sciatica, walking difficulties
Largest branch of brachial plexus
- Axillary
- Musculocutaneous
- Median
- Radial
- Ulnar
Largest branch of the cervical plexus
Phrenic nerves