Dorsal digital nerves

Dorsal Digital Nerves

Dorsal digital nerves of radial nerve, dorsal aspect.

The Dorsal Digital Nerves are nerves located in the hand that provide sensory innervation to the skin of the dorsal aspect of the digits. They are branches of the Radial Nerve and the Ulnar Nerve.

Anatomy

The dorsal digital nerves are derived from the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. They innervate the skin on the dorsal aspect of the hand and fingers. The radial nerve gives off three dorsal digital nerves, which supply the thumb, index finger, and the lateral half of the middle finger. The ulnar nerve gives off two dorsal digital nerves, which supply the medial half of the middle finger and the remaining fingers.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal digital nerves is to provide sensory innervation to the skin on the dorsal aspect of the hand and fingers. This includes the perception of touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the dorsal digital nerves can result in sensory loss or paresthesia in the affected areas. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or diseases such as Peripheral Neuropathy.

See Also

• Radial Nerve
• Ulnar Nerve
• Peripheral Neuropathy