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# Brachial Plexus Anatomy
- URL: https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/
- Published: 2022-03-09T19:29:21.000Z
- Updated: 2022-03-11T23:50:18.000Z
- Description: Brachial Plexus anatomy is a complex topic that can be difficult to learn. This article details the key anatomical points, provides mnemonics and detailed illustrations.
- Author: PlasticsFella
- Tags: Upper Limb

#### In this Article

1. [5 Key Points](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#5-key-points-on-brachial-plexus-anatomy)
2. [Brachial Plexus **Embryology**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-embryology)
3. [Brachial Plexus **Overview**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-overview)
4. [Brachial Plexus **Roots**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-roots)
5. [Brachial Plexus **Trunks**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-trunks)
6. [Brachial Plexus **Divisions**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-divisions)
7. [Brachial Plexus **Cords**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-cords)
8. [Brachial Plexus **Branches**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-branches)
9. [Brachial Plexus **Surface Markings**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#brachial-plexus-anatomy-landmarks)
10. Other ways to **learn** the brachial plexus
11. [**References** and **Contributions**](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/brachial-plexus-anatomy/#references-on-brachial-plexus-anatomy)

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## 5 Key Points on Brachial Plexus Anatomy

1\. **Origin**: the plexus arises from the anterior rami of C5-T1 spinal nerves.  
2\. **Segments** of the plexus are: roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches.   
3\. **Course**: intervertebral foramina to posterior triangle to the axilla.   
4\. **Main branches:** median, ulnar, radial, axillary, musculocutaneous.   
5\. **Embryology:** develops in the 5th week of gestation. 

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/9-1.png)

Brachial Plexus Anatomy - Overview

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy & Embryology 

The brachial plexus begins to form at the 5th week of embryonic life. The spinal cord forms motor and sensory nerve ventral and dorsal nerve roots.

**Motor nerve fibers:**

- originate from cells within the basal plate of developing spinal cord.
- emerge to the *ventral* nerve root.

**Sensory nerve fibers:**

- originate from neural crest cells
- are found in the *dorsal* nerve root.

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/Brachial-Plexus.png)

Spinal Nerve Roots - the origin of the brachial plexus

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Overview

### Origins

The brachial plexus is formed by the **anterior primary rami** of spinal nerves **C5, C6, C7, C8, T1**. 

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/9-2.png)

Brachial Plexus Anatomy - Overview 

### Course

The plexus travels through the posterior triangle of the neck into the axilla, arm, forearm and hand.

### Structure

In general, the course followed by the intricate network is: Roots Trunks Divisions Cord Branches. The *mnemonic is *R*ead *T*hat *D*amn *C*adaver *B*ook.* 

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/Brachial-Plexus-2.png)

Segments of the Brachial Plexus

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Roots 

Roots start the brachial plexus and arise from the anterior rami C5-T1\. 

Brachial Plexus ‘roots’ refer to the anterior/ventral rami of spinal nerves C5 - T1\. The dorsal rami innervate the skin and musculature of the intrinsic back muscles

Here are key points on the anatomy: 

- Paired spinal nerves arise leave the spinal cord via the **intervertebral foramina** of the vertebral column and divide into an anterior and posterior ramus.
- The anterior rami form the roots of the brachial plexus whlst the posterior rami supply innervation to posterior skin and back muscles
- The roots travel between the anterior and medial scale towards the base of the neck.

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/4-5.png)

Roots in Brachial Plexus Anatomy

💡

Tip: **only** the **anterior rami** of **C5-T1** form the brachial plexus **roots**. 

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Trunks 

**Roots** combine together to form **3 trunks**: **superior**, **middle**, **inferior**.

The C5-T1 brachial plexus roots form three **trunks** as they travel across the posterior triangle of the neck. 

1. **Superior trunk** – C5 and C6 roots.
2. **Middle trunk** – C7 root.
3. **Inferior trunk** – C8 and T1 roots.

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/5-5.png)

Trunks in Brachial Plexus Anatomy

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Divisions 

**Divisions** are formed by the anterior and posterior division of trunks. 

As the brachial plexus **trunks** exist the posterior triangle into the axilla, they divides into **anterior** (*towards the front of the body*) and **posterior** (*towards the back of the body)* **divisions**. 

This results in the formation of 6 **divisions**:

- 3 **anterior** divisions
- 3 **posterior** divisions

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/6-1.png)

Divisions in Brachial Plexus Anatomy

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Cords 

**Divisions** form **3 cords**: **lateral**, **medial**, **posterior**.

Cords are formed from divisions and are named based on their relationship to the axillary artery.

- **Lateral cord (C5-C7):** Anterior divisions of Superior and Middle trunks
- **Medial Cord (C8, T1):** Anterior division of the Lower trunk.
- **Posterior cord (C5-T1)**: Posterior divisons of the three trunks.

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/7-2.png)

Cords in Brachial Plexus Anatomy

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Branches 

The brachial plexus gives rise to 5 main **branches**: radial, median, ulnar, axillary, musculocutaneous. 

The brachial plexus is the origin of a large number of nerve branches. Theres can be classified as "main branches" and "minor branches". 

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/1-10.png)

Branches in Brachial Plexus Anatomy

### Main Branches of Brachial Plexus

The 5 main branches that originate from the brachial plexus are:

1. **Axillary Nerve:** C5 and C6.
2. **Musculocutaneous nerve:** C5, C6, C7.
3. **Radial Nerve:** C5, C6, C7, C8, T1
4. **Median Nerve:** C6, C7, C8, T1
5. **Ulnar Nerve:** C8 and T1.

These main anatomical branches are seen in the image below. 

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/8.png)

Main Branches in Brachail Plexus Anatomy

### Minor Branches of Brachial Plexus

Minor branches arise from multiple locations on the brachial plexus - from the root to the terminal divisions. 

These minor branches can be classified as supraclavicular and infraclavicular. A simpler way is to catergorised them from their **origin:** 

1. **Roots**: Dorsal scapular (C5), Long thoracic (C5-7)
2. **Upper** **Trunk**: Suprascapular (C5-C6), subclavius (C5-C6)
3. **Lateral Cord**: Lateral pectoral (C5-7)
4. **Medial Cord**: Medial pectoral, medial cutaneous of arm & forearm (C8,T1)
5. **Posterior Cord**: Upper & lower subscapular (C5,6), thoracodorsal (C6-8)

Here is a table showing innervation and function of the minor branches. 

![brachial plexus, anatomy, brachial plexus anatomy, roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/Brachial-Plexus-3.png)

Minor Branches in Brachial Plexus Anatomy

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## Brachial Plexus Anatomy Landmarks 

The brachial plexus originates in the posterior triangle of the neck. 

- It extends from the lateral border of the scalene anterior muscle to the caudal (inferior) border of the pectoralis minor where each of the three cords divides into two terminal branches in the axillary fossa.
- The posterior triangle is covered superficially by the skin and superficial fascia, then by the platysma muscle and deep fascia. It is pierced by supraclavicular branches of the cervical plexus (C3 and C4).
- At the base of the neck, the plexus is behind the clavicle and subclavius muscle.
- Transverse cervical and suprascapular arteries cross over parts of the plexus

There are 2 methods to identify the brachial plexus: clinically and surgically. 

### On Palpation 

The brachial plexus can be felt by running the fingers along the superior border of the clavicle, at the base of the neck. At about halfway, the cable can be felt running diagonally.

### Surgically

While dissecting the upper limb, identify **the characteristic ‘M’ pattern formation** (Musculocutaneous, Median and Ulnar Nerves), usually superficial to the axillary artery. One can work backwards to identify the cords, divisions and branches.

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## Different ways to learn Brachial Plexus Anatomy 

There are so many different ways to learn the anatomy of the brachial plexus. Here are 3 different ways you might find useful. 

> Let me introduce you to this amazing structure. It scares many people who learned it as medical or paramedical student, but to me it’s wonderful clever & beautiful. A triumph of developmental neurology and essential in all we do- let me introduce the brachial plexus via a thread [pic.twitter.com/2WhIAAblEF](https://t.co/2WhIAAblEF?ref=theplasticsfella.com)
> 
> — Tom Quick (@TJQPNI) [May 3, 2020](https://twitter.com/TJQPNI/status/1256937336987926530?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=theplasticsfella.com)

> this.   
>  
> by [@alexludai](https://twitter.com/alexludai?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=theplasticsfella.com) 🚂 [pic.twitter.com/NeMqQWNRuV](https://t.co/NeMqQWNRuV?ref=theplasticsfella.com)
> 
> — thePlasticsFella (@PlasticsFella) [February 10, 2022](https://twitter.com/PlasticsFella/status/1491845816927068162?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=theplasticsfella.com)

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## References on Brachial Plexus Anatomy

✍️

Thank you to the amazing work and contributions of Dr Harsh Shah 

1. Bayot ML, Nassereddin A, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Brachial Plexus. \[Updated 2020 Jul 27\]. In: [StatPearls](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500016/?ref=theplasticsfella.com) \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-
2. Warade AC,Jha AK,Pattankar S,Desai K, Radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy: A review. [Neurology India](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj4hqCD4Ln2AhUCgFwKHU-MB5oQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neurologyindia.com%2Farticle.asp%3Fissn%3D0028-3886%3Byear%3D2019%3Bvolume%3D67%3Bissue%3D7%3Bspage%3D47%3Bepage%3D52%3Baulast%3DWarade&usg=AOvVaw08GutsWLYrdsliSQRd8Bww). 2019 Jan-Feb;
3. Abdullah S, Bowden RE. The blood supply of the brachial plexus. [Proc R Soc Med](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj%5Fz-uM4Ln2AhWDYMAKHcfDDp0QFnoECAIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.sagepub.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1177%2F003591576005300311&usg=AOvVaw0L2PAAwYvmoUvFIZvus6wW). 1960 Mar;53:203-5.
4. Desai SS,Varacallo M, Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Musculocutaneous Nerve [2018 Jan.](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwim67eV4Ln2AhV1QEEAHVJuCD8QFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fbooks%2FNBK534199%2F&usg=AOvVaw02WO75yOWnNmlKrord3rC-)
5. Elzanie A,Varacallo M, Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Deltoid Muscle [2018 Jan.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537056/?ref=theplasticsfella.com)
6. Pester JM,Varacallo M, [Median Nerve Block Techniques ](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjsioKk4Ln2AhWoQUEAHdgCCScQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fbooks%2FNBK459141%2F&usg=AOvVaw37UCqAp7sIg9Ce3ErjaQTM)2018 Jan
7. Gragossian A,Varacallo M, [Radial Nerve Injury](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj9hPGq4Ln2AhXVEcAKHb1rCQcQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F30725989%2F&usg=AOvVaw2byEXnxgk7BJnU1t1HK-Ma) 2018 Jan.
8. Pester JM,Varacallo M,[ Ulnar Nerve Block Techniques ](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjt6tGy4Ln2AhVIVsAKHetJDP0QFnoECAwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F29083721%2F&usg=AOvVaw38ZKe4rBQM90kOecGSNYq9)2018 Jan.
9. Thatte MR, Mehta R. Obstetric brachial plexus injury. Indian J Plast Surg. 2011;44(3):380-389.[ doi:10.4103/0970-0358.90805](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwihxOy84Ln2AhUTWsAKHXyjB64QFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F22279269%2F&usg=AOvVaw3yLfQAs8I8MT6FHpahWspr)
10. Kuhn JE, Lebus V GF, Bible JE. Thoracic outlet syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015 Apr;23(4)[:222-32.](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiIvrPD4Ln2AhUEQEEAHcBIAi8QFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F25808686%2F&usg=AOvVaw3vEc88wlYxgJ7pr68%5F8qpX)
11. Johnson D. Pectoral girdle and upper limb: overview and surface anatomy. Standring S,et al, ed-in-chief. In:Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 40th ed. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;[ 2008:777-790: chap 45, sec 6: Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limb.](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwizrY3J4Ln2AhXYMMAKHaduD38QFnoECAcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fadams.marmot.org%2FRecord%2F.b28306880&usg=AOvVaw2AMw7sdbiqoWnziSKlw77g)
12. Shah HR, Takwale AB, Thatte MR. A Brachial Plexus with an Aberrant Middle Trunk: A Rare Anomaly. Indian J Plast Surg. 2019;52(3):364-365\. doi:[10.1055/s-0039-3401523](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiZs9PT4Ln2AhXQa8AKHV3lAR4QFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thieme-connect.com%2Fproducts%2Fejournals%2Fhtml%2F10.1055%2Fs-0039-3401523&usg=AOvVaw0H6s6PdunAWbzLoH%5FGwWE7)

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