Posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve
Nervus cutaneus posterior antebrachii
- Latin synonym: Nervus cutaneus antebrachii posterior
- Synonym: Posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm
- Related terms: Posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm; Posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve
Definition
The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve is a sensory branch of the radial nerve that originates as the radial nerve traverses the spiral groove. Its origin is distal to the inferior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve’s origin but proximal to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus within the distal arm. After arising, the nerve pierces the lateral head of the triceps and subsequently penetrates the deep fascia, becoming cutaneous approximately 6 cm proximal to the lateral epicondyle.
The nerve gives rise to an epicondylar branch and descends distally, crossing the lateral epicondyle anteriorly. It then courses through the interval between the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles in the proximal forearm. From there, it descends along the posterior surface of the forearm and ultimately joins the dorsal branches of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm near its distal end.
References
Starr, Brian W. et al. Anatomy of the Posterior Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve, Revisited. J Hand Surg. 2020. 45(4): 360.e1 - 360.e4
MacAvoy MC, Rust SS, Green DP. Anatomy of the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve: practical information for the surgeon operating on the lateral aspect of the elbow. J Hand Surg Am. 2006. Jul-Aug;31(6):908-11.
Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 48: Shoulder girdle and arm’ in Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 833.
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/
