Roots of the median nerve

Roots of the Median Nerve

Roots of the median nerve, as illustrated in Gray's Anatomy.

The Roots of the Median Nerve are the initial segments of the median nerve, a major peripheral nerve of the upper limb. The roots originate from the brachial plexus, specifically from the lateral and medial cords.

Anatomy

The median nerve is formed by two roots, one from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus (carrying fibers from the C5-C7 spinal nerves), and one from the medial cord (carrying fibers from the C8 and T1 spinal nerves). These roots merge to form the median nerve in the axilla, or armpit region.

Function

The median nerve provides motor and sensory innervation to parts of the forearm and hand. It is responsible for the innervation of the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, and the flexor digitorum superficialis muscles. It also provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral (thumb side) three and a half digits and the associated area of palm.

Clinical significance

Damage to the roots of the median nerve can result in a variety of symptoms, including numbness, paresthesia (pins and needles), and weakness in the forearm and hand. This can occur as a result of trauma, compression (as in carpal tunnel syndrome), or certain diseases.

See also

• Brachial plexus
• Median nerve
• Upper limb