Anatomy · Upper Limb Nerves, Brachial Plexus and Lesions

Which set of nerves takes origin directly as branches of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus?

  • A Axillary, radial, medial pectoral, and long thoracic nerves
  • B Axillary, radial, upper and lower subscapular, and thoracodorsal nerves
  • C Radial, musculocutaneous, thoracodorsal, and subclavius nerves
  • D Suprascapular, axillary, radial, and dorsal scapular nerves
Correct answer: B. Axillary, radial, upper and lower subscapular, and thoracodorsal nerves

Explanation

The posterior cord, formed by all three posterior divisions (C5 to T1), gives off five branches: upper subscapular nerve to subscapularis, lower subscapular nerve to subscapularis and teres major, thoracodorsal nerve to latissimus dorsi, and the two terminal branches, axillary and radial. The long thoracic and dorsal scapular nerves arise from the roots themselves, and the suprascapular nerve from the upper trunk, which removes every other option.

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

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