Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve

Description

Depiction of important anatomical reference points found in the literature, Shown here are the distal wrist crease and bistyloid line relative to the median nerve and PCBm. The distance between the two lines can vary, with instances of the lines located at the same level, and so one possibility is illustrated. As noted, the PCBm originates on the radial aspect of the median nerve, becoming close in proximity to the FCR tendon

Name

• Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve (PCBm)
• Palmar branch of the median nerve

General

• Sensory branch of the median nerve which arises in the distal wrist
• Provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral palm, thenar eminence

Anatomic Course

• Arises from the radial aspect of the median nerve in the distal wrist, 5-6 cm proximal to carpal tunnel
• Travels distally between tendons of palmaris longus, flexor carpi radialis
• As the nerve reaches the flexor retinaculum, it moves superficially to reach palmar surface
• Divides into terminal branches of the lateral palm and thenar eminence

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Clinical Significance

Surgical Significance

• At risk of damage in numerous surgical operations

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See Also

• Nerve Anatomy Main
• Hand Pain Main
• Physical Exam Hand

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