During a cadaveric dissection of the arm, a student carefully traces the median nerve from the apex of the axilla to the cubital fossa and finds no muscular branches arising anywhere along this segment. What is the correct anatomical explanation?
- A The median nerve supplies brachialis and coracobrachialis through hidden branches
- B Its arm branches were removed with the fascia during dissection
- C The median nerve supplies no muscles in the arm; its first motor branches arise in the forearm ✓
- D Motor fibres to arm flexors travel with the median nerve but leave it within the cubital fossa
Correct answer: C. The median nerve supplies no muscles in the arm; its first motor branches arise in the forearm
Explanation
The median nerve is formed by lateral and medial roots in the axilla and descends the entire arm without giving any branches. It supplies no structures in the arm; its first motor branches are given in the forearm to pronator teres and other flexors. The anterior compartment muscles of the arm belong instead to the musculocutaneous nerve, which is why tracing the median nerve yields nothing, not a technical error.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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