CoursesAnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsNerves of the arm and shoulder

CoursesAnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsNerves of the arm and shoulder

Nerves of the arm and shoulder

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Identify the major nerves which supply the arm and shoulder.
Visualize the course and branching patterns of these nerves.
Describe the motor and cutaneous innervation of this region.

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The nerves of the arm and shoulder are primarily derived from the brachial plexus, a complex network of nerve fibers which originates from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1.

Motor innervation to the muscles of the shoulder and arm is primarily provided by the axillary nerve, suprascapular nerve, superior and inferior subscapular nerves, musculocutaneous nerve and radial nerve.

Cutaneous innervation of this region is similarly provided by several nerves, namely the supraclavicular nerves; the medial, posterior, superior lateral and inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerves; as well as the intercostobrachial and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves.

This video tutorial will guide you through this topic in a comprehensive, yet easy to understand manner. Enjoy!

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Summary

Key facts about the nerves of the arm and shoulder
Motor innervation	Axillary nerve (deltoid and teres minor muscles); Suprascapular nerve (supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles); Superior and inferior subscapular nerves (subscapularis and teres major); Musculocutaneous nerve (anterior/flexor muscles of the arm); Radial nerve (posterior/extensor muscles of the arm).
Cutaneous innervation	Supraclavicular nerves (superior aspect of shoulder); Medial brachial cutaneous nerve/intercostobrachial nerve (posteromedial aspect of arm); Medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (anterior aspect of arm); Superior lateral cutaneous nerve (proximal lateral aspect of arm, branch of axillary nerve); Inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve (distal lateral aspect of arm, branch of radial nerve); Posterior brachial cutaneous nerve (posterior aspect of arm, branch of radial nerve).

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