159. Median nerve · Anatomy Bones and Muscles · MU Pleven

159. Median nerve.

Covers the median nerve, which arises from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus (C6 to T1). It traces the nerve's course through the axilla, arm, forearm and hand, then lists its branches by region, from the forearm muscular and anterior interosseous branches to the thenar branch and the lateral and medial terminal branches. Closes with its motor and sensory functions, illustrated by pictures.

Inside: 4 sections · 5 labelled pictures · 10 flashcards · 2 min

Topic 158 of 236 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Anatomy Bones and Muscles (Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 4 sections, about 214 words (2 min of reading), with 10 flashcards.

MEDIAN NERVE (C₆ - T₁)

The median nerve is one of the major nerves originating from the brachial plexus, specifically from contributions of the lateral and medial cords

It plays a crucial role in the innervation of muscles and skin in the forearm, hand, & fingers.

Course :

In axilla and arm: - lateral to 3rd part of axillary a. and upper half of brachial a.

At middle of arm crosses in front of brachial a. to descend on its medial side down to cubital fossa.

In forearm : - Enters forearm by passing between 2 heads of pronator teres.

Runs deep to flex. digit. superficialis

In hand : Enters hand by passing deep to flex. retinaculum.

Ends by dividing into medial & lateral terminal branches.

Branches :

In axilla & arm : No branches

In forearm :

1. muscular branches to all superficial flexors except flex. carpi. ulnaris.
2 Anterior interosseous n. : supplies deep forearm muscles.
3. Palmar cutaneous br. supplying lateral 2/3 of palm of hand.

In hand:

4. Muscular br : supplying thenar muscles
5. Lateral terminal br. : supplying 1st lumbrical & palmar aspect of thumb + lat. half of index finger.

Medial terminal br : supplying 2nd lumbrical and palmar aspect of the rest of lat. 3 ½ fingers.