Abstract
The brachial plexus derives from C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 nerves. It is made up of five
roots, between the scalene muscles, three trunks (upper, middle and lower) lying in
the posterior triangle, each of which divide into anterior and posterior divisions
behind the clavicle to form lateral, medial and posterior cords in the upper axilla.
The plexus gives rise to the definitive motor and cutaneous nerve supply to the upper
limb. The plexus can be blocked by local anaesthetic infiltration at its root/trunk
level in the fascial sheath compartment between the scalenes, or as it crosses the
first rib. Block can also be performed around the axillary artery. Peripherally, the
nerves may be blocked at the elbow, wrist or finger level.
Keywords
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Further reading
- Anatomy for anaesthetists.8th edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford2004
Article Info
Publication History
Royal College of Anaesthetists CPD matrix: 2G02.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.
