After axillary lymph node dissection, a patient complains of numbness over the skin of the medial side of the upper arm and floor of the axilla. Which nerve, commonly sacrificed or injured during this procedure, is responsible?

• A Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm
• B Medial pectoral nerve
• C Upper lateral cutaneous nerve of arm
• D Intercostobrachial nerve ✓

Explanation

The intercostobrachial nerve is the lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve. It emerges in the second intercostal space and crosses the axilla to supply the medial upper arm and axillary floor. It is frequently encountered and divided during axillary clearance, causing the characteristic sensory deficit. The medial cutaneous nerve of forearm travels with the basilic vein more distally, and the medial pectoral nerve is motor to pectoral muscles.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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