Musculocutaneous Nerve

Description

The Musculocutaneous Nerve

The musculocutaneous nerve

Name

• Musculocutaneous Nerve
• Lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm
• Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve

General

• Is the terminal branch of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus
• Responsible for bending and flexing elbows, a common everyday task

Anatomic Course

• Originates from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus at the inferior border of pectoralis minor
• Roots emerge between anterior scalene and middle scalene muscles
• It leaves the axilla and pierces the coracobrachialis muscle first
• Descends towards the elbow between biceps brachii and brachialis muscles
• Here it also gives off a small branch to the humerus and elbow joint
• It continues into the forearm as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm

Muscular Innervations

• Biceps brachii
• Brachialis
• Coracobrachialis

Sensory Innervations

• It gives rise to the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm
• Innervates the skin of the anterolateral aspect of the forearm

Vascular Supply

• Brachial Artery

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Clinical Significance

• Brachial Plexus Injury
• Stab Wounds
• Musculocutaneous Nerve Injury

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See Also

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

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