Lateral border of forearm
Margo lateralis antebrachii
- Latin synonym: Margo radialis antebrachii
- Synonym: Radial border of forearm
- Related terms: Radial border; Lateral border
Definition
The lateral border of forearm is anatomically defined as the radial aspect, extending from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus proximally to the radial styloid process distally.
Key Surface Landmarks
Prominent surface landmarks in this region include:
The brachioradialis muscle, which forms a significant contour along the lateral border of forearm.
The subcutaneous border of the radius, which is palpable throughout much of its length.
Neurovascular Structures
Several neurovascular structures traverse this lateral border of forearm:
The cephalic vein courses superficially along the lateral forearm, often accompanied by the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The latter is the terminal sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve.
The superficial branch of the radial nerve becomes subcutaneous in the distal third of the lateral forearm, deep to the brachioradialis muscle.
References
Beldner S, Zlotolow DA, Melone CP Jr, Agnes AM, Jones MH. Anatomy of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous and superficial radial nerves in the forearm: a cadaveric and clinical study. J Hand Surg Am. 2005 Nov;30(6):1226-30.
Chaudhry MA, Hafeez AM, Sinkler MA, et al. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Forearm Compartments. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539784/
