Overview of Hilton's Law in Anatomy

Hilton's Law Overview

• Hilton's Law defines that a nerve responsible for a muscle's movement at a joint also innervates that joint and the overlying skin.
• This principle applies not only to joints directly crossed by muscles but also to superficially located joints, aided by articular branches from cutaneous nerves.

Hilton's Law in Joints with Crossed Muscles

• Joints with muscles acting across them receive sensory innervation from the specific named nerves that innervate those muscles.

Hilton's Law for Superficially Located Joints

• Superficial joints are innervated through articular branches from cutaneous nerves, which also provide sensation to the adjacent skin.

Innervation of Major Joints

• Major joints receive their nerve supply from articular branches that emerge from anastomotic networks, allowing for a robust innervation system.

Innervation of Minor Joints

• Minor joints obtain their nerve supply from articular branches derived from nearby arteries, ensuring adequate sensory and motor function.