Lower subscapular nerve

The Lower subscapular nerve is a nerve in the human body that supplies the subscapularis muscle and the teres major muscle. It is a branch of the brachial plexus.

Etymology

The term "subscapular" comes from Latin "sub" meaning under and "scapula" meaning shoulder blade. The term "nerve" comes from Latin "nervus" meaning sinew or tendon.

Anatomy

The lower subscapular nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It carries fibers from the C5 and C6 roots. It is a motor nerve which supplies the lower part of the subscapularis muscle and the teres major muscle.

Function

The lower subscapular nerve controls the contraction of the subscapularis and teres major muscles. These muscles are involved in the internal rotation of the shoulder joint.

Clinical significance

Damage to the lower subscapular nerve can result in weakness in the internal rotation of the shoulder joint and difficulty in adducting the arm.

See also

• Upper subscapular nerve
• Subscapular nerves
• Brachial plexus

References

• 
  Lower subscapular nerve
• 
  Brachial plexus diagram
• 
  Lower subscapular nerve
• 
  Brachial plexus color diagram