Encyclopedia / Anatomy / Upper limb
Brachial plexus
The nerve network of the upper limb: five layers from roots to terminal branches.
The brachial plexus supplies the entire upper limb. Read it as five layers, centre to periphery:
Roots → trunks → divisions → cords → terminal branches
Roots
Anterior rami of C5 to T1, emerging between the anterior and middle scalene muscles.
Trunks
| Trunk | Formed by |
|---|---|
| Upper | C5 + C6 |
| Middle | C7 |
| Lower | C8 + T1 |
Cords
- Posterior: all three posterior divisions
- Lateral: anterior divisions of the upper and middle trunks
- Medial: anterior division of the lower trunk
The names describe position relative to the axillary artery, not the body.
Terminal branches
| Branch | Cord |
|---|---|
| Musculocutaneous | Lateral |
| Median | Lateral + medial |
| Ulnar | Medial |
| Radial | Posterior |
| Axillary | Posterior |
Terms
| Arabic | English | Latin |
|---|---|---|
| الضفيرة العضدية | Brachial plexus | Plexus brachialis |
| العصب الناصف | Median nerve | Nervus medianus |
| العصب الزندي | Ulnar nerve | Nervus ulnaris |
| العصب الكعبري | Radial nerve | Nervus radialis |
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