The Arm and Elbow Flashcards
How many roots make up the brachial plexus?
5
What is the brachial plexus?
the network of nerves that innervate the arm
Where is the brachial plexus located?
neck and axilla
neck and axilla
Is the brachial plexus composed of ventral or dorsal rami?
ventral
What spinal cord segments make up the brachial plexus?
C5 to T1
Describe the nomenclature of spinal nerves in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions:
spinal nerves are given the name of the vertebrae they are found under
Describe the nomenclature of spinal nerves in the cervical region:
as a nerve travels over the C1 vertebrae, this nerve is called C1 and all successive nerves are called C2, C3 etc
True or false: there is a C8 spinal nerve despite no C8 vertebrae existing
true
What structure do the spinal nerve leave through in vertebrae?
intervertebral foramen
Do anterior rootlets from the spinal cord carry sensory or motor information?
motor information
Do posterior rootlets from the spinal cord carry sensory or motor information?
sensory information
True or false: the spinal nerve itself contains both motor and sensory information
true
What two structures does the spinal nerve split into?
1) anterior ramus
2) posterior ramus
What region of the body do the posterior rami of spinal nerves supply?
structures posterior to the vertebral column
What region of the body do the anterior rami of spinal nerves supply?
structures anterior to the vertebral column
Why is are anterior rami of spinal nerves larger than posterior rami?
anterior rami innervate more structures (since more structures are found anterior to the vertebral column)
Do anterior or posterior rami of C5-T1 bundle together to form the brachial plexus?
anterior rami
What two spinal nerves join to form the superior trunk of the brachial plexus?
C5 and C6
What spinal nerve goes onto form the middle trunk of the brachial plexus alone?
C7
What spinal nerves join to form the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus?
C8 and T1
