Dorsal cutaneous nerve

Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve

The cutaneous nerves of the right upper extremity. (Dorsal cutaneous nerve not labeled, but region is visible.)

The Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve is a nerve in the human body that provides sensory innervation to the skin of the dorsal surface of the hand and the dorsal proximal part of the fingers. It is a branch of the Radial Nerve, one of the major nerves of the upper limb.

Anatomy

The Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve originates from the radial nerve, which itself is a branch of the Brachial Plexus. After branching off from the radial nerve in the region of the elbow, the dorsal cutaneous nerve travels down the forearm and into the hand. It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the dorsal surface of the hand and the dorsal proximal part of the fingers.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the dorsal cutaneous nerve can result in sensory loss or paresthesia (abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness) in the area of skin that the nerve supplies. This can occur as a result of trauma, compression, or certain medical conditions such as Peripheral Neuropathy.

See Also

• Radial Nerve
• Brachial Plexus
• Peripheral Neuropathy