Nerve Supply of Hand, Types Of Nerves
The muscles of the hand are the skeletal muscles responsible for the movement of the hand and fingers. The muscles of the hand are innervated by the radial, median, and ulnar nerves from the brachial plexus. Read the article to know more.
Nivedita Dar28 Nov, 2024
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Nerve supply of hand - The nerve supply of the hand primarily involves three main nerves the median nerve, the ulnar nerve and the radial nerve.
Origin of nerves: The nerves of the hand and wrist originate from the brachial plexus, which is located proximally in the root of the neck and the axillary region. This plexus is formed from the combination of the anterior rami of the spinal nerves C5-T1 and is responsible for the motor and sensory innervation of the upper limb.Visit - MedEd App
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Median Nerve:
Root value: The root values of the median nerve are C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1. These roots originate from the brachial plexus. Course: After originating from the brachial plexus in the axilla, the median nerve descends along the arm, initially positioned lateral to the brachial artery. About halfway down the arm, the nerve crosses over the brachial artery and becomes situated medially. The median nerve enters the anterior compartment of the forearm via the cubital fossa.In the forearm, the nerve travels between the two heads of the pronator teres muscle and then descends in a plane between the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles. Branches in the hand: The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel beneath the flexor retinaculum of the hand and then divides into recurrent and common palmar digital branches. Recurrent branch: The recurrent branch provides motor innervation to the three thenar muscles, while the first and second lumbrical muscles are innervated by the palmar digital branches. Palmar digital branch: The palmar digital branches of the median nerve provide both motor and sensory innervation in the hand. It further divides into proper palmar digital branch and common palmar digital branch The proper palmar digital nerves supply sensory innervation to the palmar surfaces of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the lateral half of the ring finger, as well as the distal third of the dorsal surfaces of the same digits.Read More - Radiodiagnosis
Ulnar Nerve:
Root value: The root values of the ulnar nerve are C8 and T1. These roots originate from the brachial plexus. Course: After emerging from the brachial plexus, the ulnar nerve descends between the axillary artery (laterally) and the axillary vein (medially). It then travels down the medial aspect of the arm, with the brachial artery positioned laterally. At the midpoint of the arm, the ulnar nerve penetrates the medial fascial septum to enter the posterior compartment of the arm. It passes behind the elbow through the ulnar tunnel, a small space between the medial epicondyle and the olecranon. Here, it also gives rise to an articular branch that supplies the elbow joint. Branches: The ulnar nerve enters the hand under the superficial part of the flexor retinaculum (in Guyon’s canal) and then divides into deep and superficial branches . Deep branch: The deep branch is mainly motor and supplies the hypothenar muscles, interossei muscles, and the medial two lumbricals. Superficial branch: The superficial branch is primarily sensory but also innervates the palmaris brevis muscle. It provides palmar and dorsal cutaneous innervation to the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger.Read More - Pelvis and Perineum
Radial Nerve
Root value: The radial nerve is the terminal branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Consequently, it contains fibers from the nerve roots C5 to T1. Course The radial nerve arises in the axilla region, positioned posteriorly to the axillary artery. It exits the axilla inferiorly through the triangular interval and supplies branches to the long and lateral heads of the triceps brachii. Descending down the arm, the radial nerve travels in a shallow depression on the surface of the humerus known as the radial groove. As it continues its descent, the radial nerve wraps around the humerus laterally, providing a branch to the medial head of the triceps brachii. For much of its course within the arm, the nerve is accompanied by the deep branch of the brachial artery. Branches in the hand: Radial nerve is primarily involved in sensory supply through its superficial branch. Superficial branch of radial nerve: Superficial branch of the radial nerve is the dorsal digital branch in hand. Dorsal digital branch: Dorsal digital branches provide sensory innervation to the dorsal surface of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the lateral half of the ring finger, specifically covering the proximal two-thirds of these digits. Cutaneous innervation: The superficial branch also provides sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the hand and the base of the thumb, known as the anatomical snuffbox. Deep branch: Deep branch of the radial nerve innervates the muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm.Nerve Supply of Hand FAQs
What are the three main nerves involved in the nerve supply of the hand?
The three main nerves involved in the nerve supply of the hand are the median nerve, the ulnar nerve, and the radial nerve.
What are the functions of the deep and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve in the hand?
The deep branch of the ulnar nerve is mainly motor and supplies the hypothenar muscles, interossei muscles, and the medial two lumbricals. The superficial branch is primarily sensory but also innervates the palmaris brevis muscle. It provides palmar and dorsal cutaneous innervation to the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger.
What is the role of the radial nerve in the hand?
In the hand, the radial nerve primarily provides sensory innervation through its superficial branch. The superficial branch gives rise to dorsal digital branches that provide sensory innervation to the dorsal surface of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the lateral half of the ring finger. The deep branch of the radial nerve innervates the muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is nothing but an opening in your wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist.
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