Albany Medical College Virtual Anatomy Lab

Lab 1 - Module 2: Axilla - Page 4 of 8

Branches of the Brachial Plexus

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

brachial plexus
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brachial plexus
The Dorsal Scapular Nerve – from C5; supplies rhomboid muscles and levator scapulae muscles.
The Long Thoracic Nerve – from C5, C6, C7; supplies the serratus anterior muscle..
The Nerve to Subclavius – from C5 and C6; supplies the subclavius muscle. (This nerve is not visualized on the 3D cadaver)
The Suprascapular Nerve – arises from the superior trunk of the brachial plexus, receiving fibers from C5, C6; passes through the suprascapular notch (where it may become entrapped); supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles (both rotator cuff muscles).