Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm

Description

The Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm is seen labeled in brown

Schematic representation of the sensory innervation of the upper limb. The skin territories of the branches of the brachial plexus are shown

Name

• Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm
• Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve

General

• Sensory nerve that is a continuation of the musculocutaneous nerve
• Provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral forearm

Gross Anatomy

• Passes behind the cephalic vein, divides at the elbow joint into volar and dorsal branches
• Passes along border of the biceps brachii tendon
• Volar branch: descends along radial border of the forearm, passes downward to the ball of the thumb
  • Communicates with Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve, Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve
• Dorsal Branch: descends along dorsal side of the radial forearm
  • Communicates with Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve, Posterior Cutaneous Branch of the Forearm

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Clinical Significance

• Musculocutaneous Nerve Injury

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See Also

• Nerve Anatomy Main
• Forearm Pain Main
• Physical Exam Elbow

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