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Questions and Answers
What are the roots of the brachial plexus?
What are the roots of the brachial plexus?
Which statement accurately describes the cords of the brachial plexus?
Which statement accurately describes the cords of the brachial plexus?
Which nerves emerge from the brachial plexus branches?
Which nerves emerge from the brachial plexus branches?
What condition results from damage to the long thoracic nerve?
What condition results from damage to the long thoracic nerve?
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Which of the following correctly identifies the components of the brachial plexus?
Which of the following correctly identifies the components of the brachial plexus?
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What is the primary function of the Long Thoracic nerve?
What is the primary function of the Long Thoracic nerve?
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Which of the following nerves is NOT a branch of the brachial plexus?
Which of the following nerves is NOT a branch of the brachial plexus?
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Which statement correctly describes the components of the brachial plexus?
Which statement correctly describes the components of the brachial plexus?
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What consequence does damage to the Long Thoracic nerve cause?
What consequence does damage to the Long Thoracic nerve cause?
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Which of the following nerves primarily innervates the muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm?
Which of the following nerves primarily innervates the muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm?
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Which combination of roots contributes to the formation of the brachial plexus?
Which combination of roots contributes to the formation of the brachial plexus?
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Which trunks are part of the brachial plexus?
Which trunks are part of the brachial plexus?
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What is the role of the long thoracic nerve within the brachial plexus?
What is the role of the long thoracic nerve within the brachial plexus?
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Which of the following statements about the roots of the brachial plexus is correct?
Which of the following statements about the roots of the brachial plexus is correct?
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Which nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus?
Which nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus?
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Study Notes
Brachial Plexus Components
- Roots: Comprised of nerve roots C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1; these form the initial structure of the plexus.
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Trunks:
- Superior Trunk: Formed by C5 and C6 roots.
- Middle Trunk: Formed by the C7 root.
- Inferior Trunk: Formed by C8 and T1 roots.
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Divisions:
- Anterior Divisions: Carry fibers from all roots (C5 to T1).
- Posterior Divisions: Also consist of fibers from all roots (C5 to T1).
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Cords:
- Lateral Cord: Contains fibers from C5, C6, and C7.
- Posterior Cord: Contains fibers from C5 through T1.
- Medial Cord: Contains fibers from C8 and T1.
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Branches: Major branches that originate from the cords include:
- Musculocutaneous Nerve
- Axillary Nerve
- Radial Nerve (originates from the posterior cord)
- Median Nerve
- Ulnar Nerve
Long Thoracic Nerve
- Known by the phrase “C5,6,7 wings to heaven”; damage results in scapular winging.
- Plays a vital role in stabilizing the scapula; impairment affects shoulder function significantly.
Brachial Plexus Overview
- A network of nerves providing motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb.
- Formed by the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5-T1.
Brachial Plexus Anatomy
- Comprised of five segments:
- Roots: C5, C6, C7, C8, T1
- Trunks: Divided into three sections – Superior, Middle, Inferior
- Divisions: Each trunk splits into Anterior and Posterior divisions
- Cords: Formed from the divisions, categorized as Lateral, Posterior, and Medial
- Branches: Key branches include Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Radial, Median, and Ulnar nerves
Innervation Responsibilities
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Musculocutaneous Nerve:
- Innervates biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles.
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Axillary Nerve:
- Innervates deltoid and teres minor muscles.
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Radial Nerve:
- Innervates muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm and forearm, also supplies skin on the posterior aspect of the hand.
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Median Nerve:
- Innervates muscles in the anterior compartment of the forearm and skin on the palmar aspect of the hand.
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Ulnar Nerve:
- Innervates muscles of the hypothenar eminence and skin on the medial aspect of the hand.
Long Thoracic Nerve
- Arises from roots C5-C7 of the brachial plexus.
- Functions solely as a motor nerve; supplies the serratus anterior muscle.
- Damage to this nerve causes scapular winging, commonly remembered by the phrase “C5, 6, 7 wings to heaven.”
Brachial Plexus Overview
- Comprised of ventral rami from spinal nerves C5-T1.
- Supplies motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb.
Components of the Brachial Plexus
- Roots: Formed by five spinal nerves: C5, C6, C7, C8, T1.
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Trunks:
- Superior: Made up of C5 and C6.
- Middle: Consists of C7.
- Inferior: Includes C8 and T1.
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Divisions: Each trunk splits into:
- Anterior: Participates in the formation of lateral and medial cords.
- Posterior: Contributes to the posterior cord.
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Cords:
- Lateral: Contains fibers from C5, C6, and C7.
- Posterior: Comprised of fibers from C5 to T1.
- Medial: Formed by fibers from C8 and T1.
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Branches: Include key nerves:
- Musculocutaneous nerve: Innervates biceps brachii, brachialis, coracobrachialis.
- Axillary nerve: Innervates deltoid and teres minor muscles.
- Radial nerve: Supplies posterior muscles of the arm and forearm; also sensations to the posterior hand.
- Median nerve: Innervates most of the anterior forearm muscles and sensory function for the palmar hand.
- Ulnar nerve: Innervates hypothenar muscles and provides sensation to the medial aspect of the hand.
Long Thoracic Nerve
- Arises from C5, C6, and C7 roots.
- Exclusively a motor nerve, crucial for the function of the serratus anterior muscle.
- Injury leads to scapular winging, often summarized by "C5,6,7 wings to heaven."
Brachial Plexus Overview
- Brachial plexus is a network of nerves that innervates the arm, shoulder, and hand.
- Comprised of five spinal nerve roots from the cervical and thoracic regions.
Roots of the Brachial Plexus
- Consists of five roots: C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1.
- Each root corresponds to specific areas of sensation and motor function in the upper limb.
Trunks of the Brachial Plexus
- Divided into three trunks: Superior, Middle, and Inferior.
- Superior trunk is formed by the combination of roots C5 and C6.
- Middle trunk originates from root C7.
- Inferior trunk results from the merging of roots C8 and T1.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the Brachial Plexus, including its roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and branches. Understand how these components work together and their relevance in clinical scenarios, such as the functioning of the Long Thoracic Nerve. Explore how damage can lead to specific symptoms like scapular winging.
