Upper subscapular nerve: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:05, 17 February 2025

Upper Subscapular Nerve[edit]

The upper subscapular nerve is a nerve that arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It is responsible for innervating the upper part of the subscapularis muscle, which is one of the muscles of the rotator cuff in the shoulder.

Anatomy[edit]

The upper subscapular nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, which is formed by the union of the posterior divisions of the upper, middle, and lower trunks. It typically arises from the fifth and sixth cervical nerves (C5 and C6).

Diagram of the brachial plexus, showing the origin of the upper subscapular nerve.

The nerve travels posteriorly and enters the subscapularis muscle, providing motor innervation to its upper portion. The subscapularis muscle is located on the anterior surface of the scapula and plays a crucial role in the internal rotation of the arm.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the upper subscapular nerve is to supply motor innervation to the upper part of the subscapularis muscle. This muscle is involved in the internal rotation of the humerus and stabilization of the shoulder joint.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injury to the upper subscapular nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the subscapularis muscle, leading to difficulties in internally rotating the arm. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression by surrounding structures.

Related Structures[edit]

The upper subscapular nerve is closely associated with other nerves of the brachial plexus, including the lower subscapular nerve and the thoracodorsal nerve. These nerves also contribute to the innervation of the shoulder and upper back muscles.

Related Pages[edit]

References[edit]

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 7th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2015). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edition. Elsevier.

The subscapularis muscle, innervated by the upper subscapular nerve.

Upper subscapular nerve[edit]

Diagram of the upper subscapular nerve
Illustration of the brachial plexus

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Upper Subscapular Nerve'''
+== Upper Subscapular Nerve ==
-The '''Upper Subscapular Nerve''' is a nerve in the human body that is part of the [[brachial plexus]], a network of nerve fibers that run from the spine, through the neck, axilla (armpit), and into the arm. The upper subscapular nerve specifically innervates the [[subscapularis muscle]], which is located in the shoulder.
+The '''upper subscapular nerve''' is a nerve that arises from the posterior cord of the [[brachial plexus]]. It is responsible for innervating the upper part of the [[subscapularis muscle]], which is one of the muscles of the [[rotator cuff]] in the shoulder.
-==Etymology==
+== Anatomy ==
-The term "subscapular" comes from the Latin words "sub" meaning under, and "scapula" referring to the shoulder blade. Thus, "subscapular" refers to something located beneath the shoulder blade. The term "nerve" comes from the Latin "nervus", meaning sinew or string.
+The upper subscapular nerve originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, which is formed by the union of the posterior divisions of the upper, middle, and lower trunks. It typically arises from the fifth and sixth cervical nerves (C5 and C6).
-==Anatomy==
+[[File:Gray807.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the brachial plexus, showing the origin of the upper subscapular nerve.]]
-The upper subscapular nerve originates from the [[posterior cord]] of the brachial plexus, with roots from the [[C5]] and [[C6]] spinal nerves. It is a short nerve that runs to the subscapularis muscle, which it innervates. The subscapularis muscle is one of the four muscles that make up the [[rotator cuff]], which is crucial for shoulder movement and stability.
+The nerve travels posteriorly and enters the subscapularis muscle, providing motor innervation to its upper portion. The subscapularis muscle is located on the anterior surface of the scapula and plays a crucial role in the internal rotation of the arm.
-==Function==
+== Function ==
-The primary function of the upper subscapular nerve is to provide motor innervation to the subscapularis muscle. This muscle plays a key role in the internal rotation of the humerus, the bone of the upper arm.
+The primary function of the upper subscapular nerve is to supply motor innervation to the upper part of the subscapularis muscle. This muscle is involved in the internal rotation of the humerus and stabilization of the shoulder joint.
-==Clinical Significance==
+== Clinical Significance ==
-Damage to the upper subscapular nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the subscapularis muscle, leading to difficulty in internal rotation of the arm. This can occur due to trauma, nerve compression, or diseases that affect the nerves, such as [[neuropathy]].
+Injury to the upper subscapular nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the subscapularis muscle, leading to difficulties in internally rotating the arm. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression by surrounding structures.
-==Related Terms==
+== Related Structures ==
-* [[Brachial Plexus]]
+The upper subscapular nerve is closely associated with other nerves of the brachial plexus, including the [[lower subscapular nerve]] and the [[thoracodorsal nerve]]. These nerves also contribute to the innervation of the shoulder and upper back muscles.
-* [[Subscapularis Muscle]]
-* [[Rotator Cuff]]
-* [[Neuropathy]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+[[File:Brachial_plexus.svg|thumb|right|The brachial plexus, with the upper subscapular nerve highlighted.]]
-[[Category:Nervous System]]
-[[Category:Medical]]
-{{stub}}
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Brachial plexus]]
+* [[Subscapularis muscle]]
+* [[Rotator cuff]]
+* [[Shoulder joint]]
+== References ==
+* Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). ''Clinically Oriented Anatomy''. 7th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
+* Standring, S. (2015). ''Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice''. 41st edition. Elsevier.
+[[File:Gray809.png|thumb|right|The subscapularis muscle, innervated by the upper subscapular nerve.]]
+{{Brachial plexus}}
+[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
+[[Category:Nerves of the upper limb]]
+== Upper subscapular nerve ==
+<gallery>
+File:Gray807.png|Diagram of the upper subscapular nerve
+File:Brachial_plexus.svg|Illustration of the brachial plexus
+</gallery>