- The brachial plexus is formed by the union of the anterior primary divisions of the 5th-8th cervical nerves and the 1st thoracic nerve
- As the nerve roots leave the intervertebral foramina they converge, successively forming trunks -> divisions -> cords -> branches -> terminal nerves
- Mnemonic for order: Randy Travis Drinks Cold Beer (Roots > trunks > cords > branches)
- Trunks:
- 3 trunks: superior, middle, and inferior
- Located between the anterior and middle scalene muscles
- Divisions:
- Formed as the trunks pass over the lateral border of the 1st rib and under the clavicle
- Each of the 3 trunks divides into anterior and posterior divisions
- Cords:
- Formed as the brachial plexus emerges below the clavicle and the fibers of the divisions combine again to form 3 cords
- Named according to their relationship to the axial artery: lateral, medial, and posterior
- At the lateral border of the pectoralis minor muscle, each cord gives off a major branch before ending as a terminal nerve
- Terminal Nerves
- Lateral cord gives off the lateral branch of the median nerve and ends as the musculocutaneous nerve
- Medial cord gives off the medial branch of the median nerve and ends as the ulnar nerve
- Posterior cord gives of the axillary nerve and terminates as the radial nerve
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