Inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve
Nervus cutaneus lateralis inferior brachii
- Latin synonym: Nervus cutaneus brachii lateralis inferior
- Synonym: Inferior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm
- Related terms: Inferior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm; Inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve
Definition
The inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve is a sensory branch of the radial nerve that provides cutaneous innervation to the skin over the lower lateral aspect of the arm. It typically originates from the radial nerve as it traverses the distal portion of the spiral groove, located at the posterior aspect of the humerus.
Course and innervation
After arising from the radial nerve, the inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve pierces the lateral intermuscular septum and transitions into a cutaneous nerve. It proceeds to supply sensory innervation to the skin of the lower lateral aspect of the arm.
Relationship with other cutaneous branches of the radial nerve
The inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve is closely associated with other cutaneous branches of the radial nerve.
Posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve: This branch also originates from the radial nerve within the spiral groove but arises distal to the origin of the inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve.
Posterior brachial cutaneous nerve: This nerve differs in its origin as it emerges from the radial nerve before the nerve enters the spiral groove.
References
Sun L, Park BK, Gupta S, Capo JT, Yoon RS, Liporace FA. Anatomic variant of the inferior lateral cutaneous branch of the radial nerve during the posterior approach to the humerus: a case report. Patient Saf Surg. 2015 May 14;9:16.
Baglien P, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Cutaneous Innervation. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545249/
