Posterior cord of brachial plexus

Fasciculus posterior plexus brachialis

  • Related terms: Posterior cord

Definition

  • The anterior divisions of the upper and middle trunks of the brachial plexus unite to form a cord, which is situated on the lateral side of the second part of the axillary artery, and is called the lateral cord or fasciculus of the plexus. 
    • Musculocutaneous: 5, 6, 7 C
    • Lateral anterior thoracic: 5, 6, 7 C
    • Lateral head of median: 6, 7 C
     
  • The anterior division of the lower trunk passes down on the medial side of the axillary artery, and forms the medial cord or fasciculus of the brachial plexus. 
    • Medial anterior thoracic: 8 C, 1 T
    • Medial antibrachial cutaneous: 8 C, 1 T
    • Medial brachial cutaneous: 8 C, 1 T
    • Ulnar: 8 C, 1 T
    • Medial head of median: 8 C, 1 T
     
  • The posterior divisions of all three trunks unite to form the posterior cord or fasciculus of the plexus, which is situated behind the second portion of the axillary artery.
    • Upper subscapular: 5, 6 C
    • Lower subscapular: 5, 6 C
    • Thoracodorsal: 5, 6, 7 C
    • Axillary: 5, 6 C
    • Radial: 6, 7, 8 C, 1 T
     

References

Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS

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