The branches of the brachial plexus – these may be divided into supraclavicular branches and infraclavicular branches. Only the infraclavicular branches are approachable through the axilla.
Supraclavicular Branches
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The Dorsal Scapular Nerve – from C5; supplies rhomboid muscles and levator scapulae muscles.
Clinical pearl: injury results in scapular retraction deficit.
The Long Thoracic Nerve – from C5-C7; supplies the serratus anterior muscle.
Clinical pearl: injury results in winged scapula, most prominent when pushing on a wall.
The Nerve to Subclavius – from upper (superior) trunk and C5-C6; supplies the subclavius muscle. (This nerve is not visible on the 3D model.)
The Suprascapular Nerve – arises from the superior (upper) trunk of the brachial plexus, receiving fibers from C5-C6, and passes through the suprascapular notch. This nerve supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles of the rotator cuff.
Clinical pearl: prone to entrapment at the suprascapular notch.
