Subscapular nerves - Upper extremity - Peripheral nervous system - e-Anatomy
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Subscapular nerves

Nervi subscapulares

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The upper and lower subscapular nerves originate from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. They are responsible for innervating the subscapularis muscle, with the upper subscapular nerve targeting its superior portion and the lower subscapular nerve supplying both the inferior portion of the subscapularis and the teres major muscle.

Upper Subscapular Nerve

Typically arises from the C5 and C6 nerve roots. It innervates the subscapularis muscle.

Lower Subscapular Nerve

Also arises from the C5 and C6 nerve roots. It innervates both the subscapularis and teres major muscles.

References

  • Tubbs RS, Loukas M, Shahid K, Judge T, Pinyard J, Shoja MM, Slappey JB, McEvoy WC, Oakes WJ. Anatomy and quantitation of the subscapular nerves. Clin Anat. 2007 Aug;20(6):656-9.

  • Okwumabua E, Black AC, Thompson JH. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Nerves. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526056/

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