Supraclavicular branches of brachial plexus
Rami supraclaviculares plexus brachialis
- Related terms: Supraclavicular branches
Definition
The supraclavicular branches of brachial plexus originate from the roots (anterior rami) and the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. These include:
Branches from the roots (anterior rami):
Segmental neck muscle branches: These branches innervate the longus colii (C2-C6), and the scalene muscles (anterior: C4-C7, middle; C3-C7, and posterior; C5-C7).
Dorsal Scapular Nerve (C5): This nerve, arising from the C5 root, travels with the dorsal scapular artery and provides motor innervation to the levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor muscles.
Long thoracic nerve (C5, C6, C7): Originating from the C5, C6, and C7 roots, this nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle and often courses with the lateral thoracic artery.
Phrenic nerve contribution (C5): The C5 root contributes to the formation of the phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5), which is essential for diaphragm function.
Branches from the upper trunk:
Suprascapular Nerve (C4, C5): This nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles as it travels through the suprascapular notch.
Nerve to Subclavius (C5, C6): This nerve innervates the subclavius muscle.
References
Polcaro L, Charlick M, Daly DT. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Brachial Plexus. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531473/
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W., and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2010). ‘Chapter 2: The Back’, in Gray’s anatomy for students. (2nd ed.) Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Philadelphia PA 19103, pp.95-99 & Fig. 2.44 & 2.45.
Johnson EO, Vekris M, Demesticha T, Soucacos PN. Neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus: normal and variant anatomy of its formation. Surg Radiol Anat. 2010 Mar;32(3):291-7.
