Brachial Plexus Anatomy

Brachial Plexus Anatomy

Location and Composition

• The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and extends down to the arm.
• It is formed by the ventral rami of the C5-T1 spinal nerves.
• The plexus is divided into five roots, three trunks, six divisions, three cords, and five terminal branches.

Roots

• The five roots of the brachial plexus are the C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1 spinal nerves.
• They emerge from the spinal cord and combine to form the trunks.

Trunks

• The three trunks of the brachial plexus are the superior, middle, and inferior trunks.
• Each trunk is formed by the fusion of two or more roots.

Divisions

• The six divisions of the brachial plexus are the anterior and posterior divisions of each trunk.
• The divisions are formed by the branching of the trunks.

Cords

• The three cords of the brachial plexus are the lateral, medial, and posterior cords.
• Each cord is formed by the fusion of two or more divisions.

Terminal Branches

• The five terminal branches of the brachial plexus are the musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves.
• These branches innervate the muscles and skin of the arm and forearm.

Other Important Structures

• The brachial plexus passes through the scalene triangle, a region bounded by the anterior scalene muscle, middle scalene muscle, and first rib.
• The plexus also passes through the costoclavicular space, a region bounded by the clavicle and first rib.

Brachial Plexus Anatomy

Location and Composition

• The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and extends down to the arm.
• It is composed of the ventral rami of the C5-T1 spinal nerves.
• The plexus is divided into five roots, three trunks, six divisions, three cords, and five terminal branches.

Roots

• The five roots of the brachial plexus are the C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1 spinal nerves.
• They emerge from the spinal cord and combine to form the trunks.

Trunks

• The three trunks of the brachial plexus are the superior, middle, and inferior trunks.
• Each trunk is formed by the fusion of two or more roots.

Divisions

• The six divisions of the brachial plexus are the anterior and posterior divisions of each trunk.
• The divisions are formed by the branching of the trunks.

Cords

• The three cords of the brachial plexus are the lateral, medial, and posterior cords.
• Each cord is formed by the fusion of two or more divisions.

Terminal Branches

• The five terminal branches of the brachial plexus are the musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves.
• These branches innervate the muscles and skin of the arm and forearm.

Other Important Structures

• The brachial plexus passes through the scalene triangle, a region bounded by the anterior scalene muscle, middle scalene muscle, and first rib.
• The plexus also passes through the costoclavicular space, a region bounded by the clavicle and first rib.

Explore the structure and composition of the brachial plexus, including its roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal branches. Learn about its origins in the neck and its role in the arm.