Brachial plexus

What you will learn

• Reconstruct the organization of the brachial plexus from roots to cords.
• Describe its cervical, costoclavicular, and axillary relations.
• Relate each named collateral branch to its muscular or articular target.
• Assign each terminal branch to its cord of origin.
• Recognize the general causes and deficits associated with brachial plexus injury.

Course outline

1. From the neck to the axilla

   An overview of the neural network linking the cervical region to the upper limb.

   7 min

2. Roots and primary trunks

   C5–T1 origin of the brachial plexus and formation of its three primary trunks.

   13 min

3. Divisions and cords

   Transition from the three primary trunks to the lateral, medial, and posterior cords.

   12 min

4. Configuration and cervical relations

   Overall form of the plexus and relations of its supraclavicular portion in the interscalene space.

   14 min

5. Costoclavicular and axillary passages

   Position of the three cords behind the clavicle and then around the axillary artery.

   14 min

6. Collateral branches of the cervical portion

   Four mainly motor supraclavicular branches and their scapular targets.

   14 min

7. Collateral branches of the axillary portion

   Pectoral, subscapular, and thoracodorsal nerves, including formation of the pectoral ansa.

   16 min

8. Terminal branch map

   Branches arising from each cord behind pectoralis minor.

   13 min

9. Consequences of brachial plexus injury

   General causes of brachial plexus lesions and the resulting sensory or motor deficits.

   10 min