Supraclavicular Branches of Brachial Plexus (Left)

Description

Branches of the brachial plexus may be divided into supraclavicular and infraclavicular branches.

Supraclavicular branches arising from the roots include:

—nerves to the scalene and longus colli muscles, which arise from the lower anterior rami of the cervical nerves (C5—C8) near their exit from the intervertebral foramina;

—branch from the anterior ramus of the fifth cervical nerve to the phrenic nerve (C5);

—dorsal scapular nerve from the anterior ramus of the fifth cervical nerve;

—long thoracic nerve from the anterior rami of the fifth to seventh cervical nerves (C5-C7).

Supraclavicular branches that arise from the trunks of the brachial plexus branch from the superior trunk and include:

—subclavian nerve, which arises near the junction of the anterior rami of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves;

—suprascapular nerve.