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