Nerves Of The Upper Limb
Question 1. Enumerate five main nerves that supply the upper limb.
Answer.
These are
- Axillary nerve
- Musculocutaneous nerve
- Radial nerve
- Median nerve
- Ulnar nerve
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“Understanding the anatomy of the nerves in the upper limb”
Question 2. Describe the axillary nerve in brief and discuss its applied anatomy.
Answer.
Axillary Nerve Root value
Ventral rami of C5 and C6.

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Axillary Nerve Course and Relations
The axillary (or circumflex) nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus posterior to the third part of the axillary artery. It passes posteriorly through the quadrangular space. Here it lies below the capsule of the shoulder joint. As it is about to pass behind the surgical neck of the humerus, it terminates by dividing into anterior and posterior branches.
Upper Limb Nerve Supply Anatomy
The anterior branch (along with posterior circumflex artery) runs deep to the deltoid muscle and supplies the deltoid muscle and skin over it. The posterior branch supplies the posterior part of the deltoid and teres minor muscles. It pierces deep fascia to become the upper lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm.
Nerves of the Upper Limb Anatomy Notes
Axillary Nerve Branches
Muscular:
To deltoid and teres minor. Nerves to teres minor possesses pseudoganglion.
“Treatment options for common nerve injuries in the upper limb”
Cutaneous
Upper lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm
Sensory innervation of the skin over the lower half of the deltoid
Upper Limb Nerves Anatomy
“Global prevalence of nerve injuries in athletes”
Axillary Nerve Applied Anatomy
The damage to the axillary nerve in the inferior dislocation of the shoulder joint and fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus will result in:
- Paralysis of the deltoid leading to loss of power of abduction from 15° to 90°
- Loss of the rounded contour of the shoulder
- Prominence of the greater tubercle of the humerus
- Loss of cutaneous sensations over the lower half of the deltoid’s ‘regimental badge area of sensory loss’

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