Intercostobrachial nerve
Nervus intercostobrachialis
- Synonym: Lateral cutaneous branch of intercostal nerve 2
- Related terms: Intercostobrachial nerves
Definition
The intercostobrachial nerve is the lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve (T2 anterior ramus). It originates within the second intercostal space, traversing the intercostal muscles and the serratus anterior before piercing the medial wall of the axilla. Upon reaching the medial aspect of the arm, it typically forms a connection with the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm (a.k.a. medial brachial cutaneous nerve), which derives from the medial cord of the brachial plexus. However, please note that the course and branching of the intercostobrachial nerve can vary greatly between individuals.
The intercostobrachial nerve contributes significantly to sensory innervation of the skin over the upper medial and posterior parts of the arm, as well as the floor of the axilla, corresponding to the T2 dermatome region.
References
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W., and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2010). ‘Chapter 7: Upper limb’, in Gray’s anatomy for students. (2nd ed.) Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Philadelphia PA 19103, pp.689.
Loukas M, Hullett J, Louis RG Jr, Holdman S, Holdman D. The gross anatomy of the extrathoracic course of the intercostobrachial nerve. Clin Anat. 2006 Mar;19(2):106-11.
