Lateral brachial cutaneous nerve

Lateral Brachial Cutaneous Nerve

The cutaneous nerves of the right upper extremity. (Lateral brachial cutaneous nerve labeled at center right.)

The Lateral Brachial Cutaneous Nerve (LBCN) is a nerve of the human body, specifically in the upper extremity. It is a branch of the Axillary Nerve and provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral part of the arm.

Anatomy

The LBCN arises from the posterior cord of the Brachial Plexus, with roots from the C5 and C6 spinal nerves. It travels along with the axillary nerve through the quadrangular space, where it is vulnerable to injury. It then pierces the deep fascia, becoming subcutaneous to supply the skin of the upper lateral part of the arm.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the LBCN can result in numbness or paresthesia in its area of innervation. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or entrapment of the nerve.

See Also

• Axillary Nerve
• Brachial Plexus
• Cutaneous Innervation