Palmar branch of median nerve

The palmar branch of median nerve is its small and superficial branch that originates in the lower forearm, just proximal to the flexor retinaculum. It enters the hand by crossing over the retinaculum superficially to provide sensory innervation to the skin of the palm.

This branch divides into lateral and medial branches: the lateral branch innervates the skin over the ball of the thumb and communicates with the volar branch of the lateral antibrachial cutaneous nerve, while the medial branch supplies the palm's skin and communicates with the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve.

Significantly, because the palamar branch of median nerve travels into the hand superficially to the flexor retinaculum, it is not affected by compression in carpal tunnel syndrome, preserving its function.