Posterior cord

Posterior Cord is a part of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that originate from the neck region and provide movement and sensation to the arm and hand. The posterior cord is named for its position in the brachial plexus behind the axillary artery.

Anatomy

The posterior cord is formed by the union of the posterior divisions of the upper, middle, and lower trunks of the brachial plexus. It gives rise to three main nerves: the radial nerve, the axillary nerve, and the thoracodorsal nerve.

Radial Nerve

The radial nerve provides motor and sensory innervation to the posterior arm and forearm. It is responsible for extension of the elbow, wrist, and fingers, and sensation to the back of the hand.

Axillary Nerve

The axillary nerve provides motor innervation to the deltoid muscle and the teres minor muscle, and sensory innervation to the skin over the deltoid.

Thoracodorsal Nerve

The thoracodorsal nerve provides motor innervation to the latissimus dorsi muscle, a large muscle in the back that is responsible for extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the shoulder.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the posterior cord can result in weakness or paralysis of the muscles innervated by the radial, axillary, and thoracodorsal nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty extending the elbow, wrist, and fingers, weakness in shoulder abduction and external rotation, and loss of sensation in certain areas of the arm and hand.

See Also

• Brachial Plexus
• Radial Nerve
• Axillary Nerve
• Thoracodorsal Nerve

Posterior cord Resources
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