Lateral cord of brachial plexus
Fasciculus lateralis plexus brachialis
- Related terms: Lateral cord
Definition
The lateral cord of brachial plexus arises from the anterior divisions of the superior and middle trunks. It is part of the infraclavicular portion of the brachial plexus and is situated within the axilla, where it lies lateral to the third part of the axillary artery.
Branches of the lateral cord
This cord gives rise to three key branches:
Lateral pectoral nerve (C5, C6, C7) – Primarily supplies the pectoralis major muscle.
Lateral root of the median nerve (C5, C6, C7) – Combines with the medial root (from the medial cord) to form the median nerve, which innervates several muscles of the forearm and hand, as well as part of the skin in the hand.
Musculocutaneous nerve (C5-C7) – Innervates the flexor muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm (biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis) and continues as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm.
References
Polcaro L, Charlick M, Daly DT. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Brachial Plexus. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531473/
Johnson EO, Vekris M, Demesticha T, Soucacos PN. Neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus: normal and variant anatomy of its formation. Surg Radiol Anat. 2010 Mar;32(3):291-7.
