Radial Nerve

Description

• General
  • Is one of the two terminal continuations of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.
  • It receives contributions from C5-T1 nerve roots.
• Course
  • The nerve arises in the axillary region,is located posterior to axillary artery.
  • It exits the axilla via the triangular interval to enter the posterior compartment of the arm.
  • The radial nerve then descends down the arm winding around the spiral groove of the humerus.
  • It enters the forearm by travelling anterior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, through the cubital fossa.
  • It divides into superficial and deep branches.

---

Functions

• Muscular innervations
  • Triceps Brachii
  • Anconeus
  • Brachioradialis
  • Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus
• Sensory functions
  • Superficial branch of the radial nerve: cutaneous sensation to the dorsal aspect of the hand, dorsal aspect of the first to third digits and the dorsal lateral aspect of the fourth finger.
  • Lateral cutaneous nerve of arm: innervates the lateral aspect of the arm.
  • Posterior cutaneous nerve of arm: innervates the posterior surface of the arm.
  • Posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm: innervates the middle of the posterior forearm.

---

Vascular Supply

• Radial Artery

---

Clinical Significance

• Radial Nerve Injury

---

See Also

• Forearm Anatomy
• Elbow joint

---