Musculocutaneous nerve

Musculocutaneous nerve is a nerve that arises from the brachial plexus and is responsible for the innervation of the muscles in the front compartment of the arm. It also provides sensory innervation to the lateral part of the forearm.

Anatomy

The musculocutaneous nerve originates from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, with roots from the C5, C6, and C7 spinal nerves. It pierces the coracobrachialis muscle and gives off branches to the biceps brachii and brachialis. It then continues as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm, providing sensory innervation to the skin.

Function

The musculocutaneous nerve is responsible for innervating the muscles in the front compartment of the arm, including the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and brachialis. These muscles are involved in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm. The nerve also provides sensory innervation to the lateral part of the forearm.

Clinical significance

Damage to the musculocutaneous nerve can result in weakness of elbow flexion and supination, as well as sensory loss over the lateral part of the forearm. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or nerve entrapment.

See also

• Nervous system
• Peripheral nerve injury
• Brachial plexus injury

References

Musculocutaneous nerve Resources
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