Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve
Nervus cutaneus lateralis antebrachii
- Latin synonym: Nervus cutaneus antebrachii lateralis
- Synonym: Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm
- Related terms: Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm; Lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm (Musculocutaneous nerve)
Definition
The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, also known as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm, is the terminal continuation of the musculocutaneous nerve.
After the musculocutaneous nerve completes its motor innervation to the flexor muscles of the arm, including the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and brachialis, it emerges at the lateral aspect of the biceps tendon. At this point, it pierces the deep fascia and continues distally along the lateral aspect of the forearm as the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin over the lateral forearm.
References
Desai SS, Arbor TC, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Musculocutaneous Nerve. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534199/
