- Arises from anterior rami of C5 to C8 and T1
- Consists of roots, trunks, divisions, cords and branches
- The roots and trunks lie in the neck
- The divisions lie behind the clavicle
- The cords an branches are in the axilla
- The subclavian artery is related to the roots and trunks
- The axillary artery is related to the cords and branches
Plan of the plexus
- C5 and C6 roots join to form the upper trunk
- C7 root alone forms the middle trunk
- C8 and T1 roots join to form the lower trunk
- Each trunk divides into an anterior and posterior division
- All the posterior divisions join to form the posterior cord
- The upper two anterior divisions join to form the lateral cord
- The lowest anterior division alone forms the medial cord
Branches of the brachial plexus
Branches from the roots
- Nerve to serratus anterior (C5,C6,C7)
- Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)
- Muscular branches to the 3 scalene muscles
Branches from the trunks
- Suprascapular nerve (C5,C6)
- Subclavius nerve (C5,C6)
Branches from the cords
- Medial cord
- Medial head of median nerve (C8,T1)
- Medial pectoral (C8,T1)
- Ulnar nerve (C8,T1)
- Median cutaneous nerve if forearm (C8,T1)
- Medial cutaneous nerve of arm (T1)
- Lateral cord
- Lateral pectoral (C5,C6,C7)
- Lateral head of median (C5,C6,C7)
- Musculocutaneous (C5,C6,C7)
- Posterior cord
- Radial (C5,C6,C7,C8,T1)
- Axillary (C5,C6)
- Nerve to latissimus dorsi (C6,C7,C8)
- Subscapular (C5,C6)
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