Dorsal digital branches of radial nerve
Rami digitales dorsales nervi radialis
- Latin synonym: Nervi digitales dorsales radiales manus
- Synonym: Radial dorsal digital nerves of hand
- Related terms: Dorsal digital branches; Dorsal digital branches (Radial nerve)
Definition
The dorsal digital branches of radial nerve are the terminal branches of its superficial branch. These branches originate near the radial styloid process, where the superficial branch divides into four or five distinct dorsal digital branches:
First branch: Innervates the skin over the radial side of the thumb and adjoining thenar eminence. It communicates with branches of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
Second branch: Supplies the skin on the medial side of the thumb.
Third branch: Supplies the skin on the lateral side of the index finger.
Fourth branch: Innervates the second interdigital space, supplying the adjoining sides of the index and middle fingers.
Fifth branch: Innervates the third interdigital space, supplying the adjoining sides of the middle and ring fingers. It also forms connections with the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve.
Note: The distal dorsal aspects of the fingers (nail beds) are supplied by the median nerve.
References
Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 50: Wrist and Hand’ in Gray’s Anatomy, the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 893.
