Lateral cutaneous nerve of arm

Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Arm

The cutaneous nerves of the right upper extremity. (Lateral cutaneous of arm labeled at center left.)

The Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Arm (also known as the Lateral Brachial Cutaneous Nerve) is a nerve in the human body that provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral part of the arm. It is a branch of the Radial Nerve and is derived from the posterior cord of the Brachial Plexus.

Anatomy

The Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Arm originates from the radial nerve, specifically from the C5-C6 nerve roots. It branches off from the radial nerve in the axilla, or armpit, and descends along the lateral aspect of the arm. It pierces the deep fascia, a layer of connective tissue, to innervate the skin of the lateral part of the arm.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Arm can result in numbness or paresthesia (a sensation of tingling, tickling, pricking, or burning) in the area of skin it supplies. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or compression of the nerve.

See Also

• Cutaneous Innervation
• Radial Nerve
• Brachial Plexus