Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm

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Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm (also known as the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve) is a sensory nerve that supplies the skin on the lateral side of the forearm. It is a branch of the musculocutaneous nerve.

Anatomy

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm originates from the musculocutaneous nerve, which arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. The musculocutaneous nerve typically emerges from the C5, C6, and C7 spinal nerve roots.

After the musculocutaneous nerve innervates the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and brachialis muscles, it continues as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. This nerve emerges laterally to the biceps brachii tendon and travels down the forearm.

Function

The primary function of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm is to provide sensory innervation to the skin on the lateral aspect of the forearm. This includes the skin overlying the brachioradialis muscle and extending down to the wrist.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm can result in sensory deficits in its distribution area. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression. Symptoms of injury may include numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation on the lateral side of the forearm.

Related Structures

• Musculocutaneous nerve
• Brachial plexus
• Coracobrachialis
• Biceps brachii
• Brachialis
• Brachioradialis

See Also

• Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm
• Posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm
• Cutaneous innervation of the upper limbs