Nerve supply of the human arm

Nerve Supply of the Human Arm

The human arm is supplied by a network of nerves that originate from the spinal cord, specifically from the cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves. This network is known as the Brachial Plexus. The nerves of the brachial plexus supply the skin and muscles of the arm, forearm, and hand.

The Brachial Plexus

Brachial Plexus

The Brachial Plexus is a complex network of nerves that begins in the neck and extends into the axilla (armpit). It is formed by the ventral rami of the fifth to eighth cervical nerves and the first thoracic nerve (C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1). The brachial plexus gives rise to the major nerves that supply the upper limb.

Major Nerves of the Arm

The major nerves that supply the arm include:

• Axillary Nerve: This nerve supplies the deltoid and teres minor muscles, and the skin over a part of the deltoid.
• Musculocutaneous Nerve: This nerve supplies the muscles in the front of the arm (biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis), and the skin on the lateral (outer) side of the forearm.
• Median Nerve: This nerve supplies most of the muscles in the front of the forearm. It also supplies the skin on the palm side of the hand, the thumb, and the first two and a half fingers.
• Ulnar Nerve: This nerve supplies some of the muscles in the forearm and hand. It also supplies the skin on the medial (inner) side of the hand, and the little finger and half of the ring finger.
• Radial Nerve: This nerve supplies the muscles in the back of the arm and forearm, and the skin on the back of the hand, thumb, and the first two and a half fingers.

File:Diagram of the human nervous system.svg

Diagram of the human nervous system

See Also

• Human anatomy
• Peripheral nervous system
• Upper limb