Brachial plexus

The network of nerves from C5 to T1 that supplies the shoulder, arm and hand.

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40 parts in this model

Right superior trunk of brachial plexus
Right posterior division of superior trunk of brachial plexus
Left superior trunk of brachial plexus
Left posterior division of superior trunk of brachial plexus
Left anterior division of superior trunk of brachial plexus
Right middle trunk of brachial plexus
Right anterior division of middle trunk of brachial plexus
Right posterior division of middle trunk of brachial plexus
Left middle trunk of brachial plexus
Left anterior division of middle trunk of brachial plexus
Left posterior division of middle trunk of brachial plexus
Right inferior trunk of brachial plexus
Left inferior trunk of brachial plexus
Left anterior division of inferior trunk of brachial plexus
Left posterior division of inferior trunk of brachial plexus
Right roots of brachial plexus
Left roots of brachial plexus
Right posterior cord of brachial plexus
Left posterior cord of brachial plexus
Right anterior division of superior trunk of brachial plexus
Right anterior division of inferior trunk of brachial plexus
Right posterior division of inferior trunk of brachial plexus
Right dorsal scapular nerve
Right long thoracic nerve
Right suprascapular nerve
Right subclavian nerve
Left dorsal scapular nerve
Left long thoracic nerve
Left suprascapular nerve
Left subclavian nerve
Right lateral pectoral nerve
Left lateral pectoral nerve
Right medial pectoral nerve
Left medial pectoral nerve
Right superior subscapular nerve
Right inferior subscapular nerve
Right thoracodorsal nerve
Left thoracodorsal nerve
Left superior subscapular nerve
Left inferior subscapular nerve

Where is the brachial plexus?

Forms in the side of the neck, passes under the clavicle into the axilla and ends as the nerves of the arm: musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median and ulnar.

What does the brachial plexus do?

Carries every motor command and all sensation for the upper limb.

Clinical relevance of the brachial plexus

A difficult delivery (shoulder dystocia) can stretch the upper plexus (C5–C6) and cause Erb's palsy: the arm hangs with the elbow straight and the forearm turned in.
Crutches pressing into the axilla can injure the radial nerve and cause wrist drop.
Holding the arm out at more than 90° for a long time, for example during surgery, can stretch the plexus.

Nursing focus: the brachial plexus

Teach crutch users to carry their weight on the hands, with the crutch pads 2 to 3 finger widths below the axilla.
Keep arm boards below 90° of abduction when positioning a client for surgery.