Superficial branch of ulnar nerve: Difference between revisions

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'''Superficial branch of ulnar nerve''' is a branch of the [[ulnar nerve]] that provides sensory innervation to the skin of the hand. It is a part of the peripheral nervous system and is considered one of the terminal branches of the ulnar nerve.
== Superficial Branch of Ulnar Nerve ==


==Etymology==
The '''superficial branch of the ulnar nerve''' is a terminal branch of the [[ulnar nerve]], which is one of the major nerves of the upper limb. This branch is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to parts of the hand.
The term "ulnar" is derived from the Latin word "ulna," which refers to the inner and larger bone of the forearm. The term "superficial" is derived from the Latin word "superficialis," which means "pertaining to the surface."


==Anatomy==
[[File:Gray815.png|Superficial branch of ulnar nerve|thumb|right]]
The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve originates from the [[ulnar nerve]], which itself is a branch of the [[brachial plexus]]. It travels down the forearm, passing over the [[flexor carpi ulnaris]] muscle and under the [[palmar carpal ligament]]. It then divides into a palmar and a dorsal branch.


The palmar branch supplies the skin of the little finger and the adjacent half of the ring finger, as well as the associated area of the palm. The dorsal branch supplies the skin of the back of the hand from the wrist to the bases of the little finger and the adjacent half of the ring finger.
== Anatomy ==


==Clinical significance==
The ulnar nerve originates from the [[brachial plexus]], specifically from the C8 and T1 nerve roots. It travels down the arm, passing posterior to the [[medial epicondyle]] of the [[humerus]], and continues into the forearm. In the forearm, the ulnar nerve travels between the [[flexor carpi ulnaris]] and the [[flexor digitorum profundus]] muscles.
Damage to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve can result in a loss of sensation in the areas of the hand that it supplies. This can occur as a result of trauma, compression, or disease. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
 
As the ulnar nerve approaches the wrist, it divides into two main branches: the deep branch and the superficial branch. The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve emerges at the wrist and enters the hand.
 
== Function ==
 
The primary function of the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve is to provide sensory innervation. It supplies sensation to the palmar aspect of the medial one and a half fingers (the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger) and the associated palm area.
 
== Clinical Significance ==
 
Injury to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve can result in sensory deficits in its area of distribution. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or other pathological conditions affecting the ulnar nerve at the wrist or hand.
 
Symptoms of injury may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected fingers. In some cases, there may also be a loss of fine motor control in the hand due to the involvement of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which innervates several intrinsic muscles of the hand.
 
[[File:Gray812and814.svg|Superficial branch of ulnar nerve|thumb|left]]
 
== Related Pages ==


==Related terms==
* [[Ulnar nerve]]
* [[Ulnar nerve]]
* [[Brachial plexus]]
* [[Brachial plexus]]
* [[Flexor carpi ulnaris]]
* [[Flexor carpi ulnaris]]
* [[Palmar carpal ligament]]
* [[Flexor digitorum profundus]]
* [[Medial epicondyle of the humerus]]


[[Category:Anatomy]]
{{Nerves of the upper limb}}
[[Category:Nervous system]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
<gallery>
[[Category:Upper limb anatomy]]
File:Gray815.png|Superficial branch of ulnar nerve
File:Gray812and814.svg|Superficial branch of ulnar nerve
</gallery>
== Superficial_branch_of_ulnar_nerve ==
<gallery>
File:Gray815.png|Superficial branch of ulnar nerve
File:Gray812and814.svg|Superficial branch of ulnar nerve
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 18:49, 23 March 2025

Superficial Branch of Ulnar Nerve[edit]

The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve is a terminal branch of the ulnar nerve, which is one of the major nerves of the upper limb. This branch is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to parts of the hand.

Superficial branch of ulnar nerve

Anatomy[edit]

The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus, specifically from the C8 and T1 nerve roots. It travels down the arm, passing posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and continues into the forearm. In the forearm, the ulnar nerve travels between the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor digitorum profundus muscles.

As the ulnar nerve approaches the wrist, it divides into two main branches: the deep branch and the superficial branch. The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve emerges at the wrist and enters the hand.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve is to provide sensory innervation. It supplies sensation to the palmar aspect of the medial one and a half fingers (the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger) and the associated palm area.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injury to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve can result in sensory deficits in its area of distribution. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or other pathological conditions affecting the ulnar nerve at the wrist or hand.

Symptoms of injury may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected fingers. In some cases, there may also be a loss of fine motor control in the hand due to the involvement of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which innervates several intrinsic muscles of the hand.

Superficial branch of ulnar nerve

Related Pages[edit]

Template:Nerves of the upper limb