Medial cutaneous nerve of arm

Nerve of the upper limb

The medial cutaneous nerve of the arm, also known as the medial brachial cutaneous nerve, is a sensory nerve of the upper limb. It is responsible for providing sensation to the skin on the medial side of the arm.

Diagram of the brachial plexus, showing the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm.

Anatomy

The medial cutaneous nerve of the arm arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus. It is composed of fibers from the eighth cervical (C8) and first thoracic (T1) spinal nerves. The nerve travels along the medial side of the arm, often accompanying the basilic vein.

Course

The nerve descends along the medial aspect of the arm, providing sensory innervation to the skin. It communicates with the intercostobrachial nerve, which is a branch of the second intercostal nerve, to supply the skin over the medial side of the arm.

Branches

The medial cutaneous nerve of the arm does not have significant branches, but it does form connections with the intercostobrachial nerve, enhancing the sensory supply to the medial arm region.

Function

The primary function of the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm is to provide sensory innervation to the skin on the medial side of the arm. This includes the area from the axilla to the elbow.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm can result in loss of sensation or paresthesia in its area of distribution. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression.

Related Structures

• Brachial plexus
• Medial cord of brachial plexus
• Intercostobrachial nerve
• Basilic vein

See Also

• Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm
• Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm
• Ulnar nerve

Related Pages

• Brachial plexus injuries
• Peripheral nerve injury
• Sensory nerves of the upper limb