Superior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:49, 11 December 2024

The superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm is a sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin over the lower part of the deltoid muscle and the lateral side of the arm. It is a branch of the axillary nerve, which is itself a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.

Anatomy[edit]

The superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm arises from the axillary nerve, which exits the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. The axillary nerve travels through the quadrangular space, accompanied by the posterior circumflex humeral artery, and innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles. After innervating these muscles, the axillary nerve continues as the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm.

The nerve emerges from beneath the deltoid muscle and becomes superficial, providing sensory innervation to the skin over the lower part of the deltoid muscle and the lateral aspect of the arm. This area is often referred to as the "regimental badge" area due to its location.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm is to convey sensory information from the skin in its area of distribution to the central nervous system. This includes sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.

Clinical significance[edit]

Injury to the axillary nerve, such as from shoulder dislocation or surgical procedures, can lead to loss of sensation in the area supplied by the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm. This can result in numbness or a tingling sensation over the "regimental badge" area.

Also see[edit]

References[edit]

Gray's Anatomy (public domain text)

Template:Nerves of the upper limb

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Superior Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Arm ==
+{{Infobox nerve
+| Name            = Superior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm
+| Latin           = nervus cutaneus brachii lateralis superior
+| Image           = Gray810.png
+| Caption         = Diagram of the brachial plexus (superior lateral cutaneous nerve of arm not labeled, but originates from the axillary nerve)
+| Innervates      = Skin over the lower part of the deltoid muscle and lateral side of the arm
+| BranchFrom      = [[Axillary nerve]]
+}}
-The superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm (SLCNA) is a sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin on the lateral aspect of the upper arm. It is a branch of the axillary nerve, which arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.
+The '''superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm''' is a sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin over the lower part of the deltoid muscle and the lateral side of the arm. It is a branch of the [[axillary nerve]], which is itself a branch of the posterior cord of the [[brachial plexus]].
-=== Anatomy ===
+==Anatomy==
+The superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm arises from the axillary nerve, which exits the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. The axillary nerve travels through the quadrangular space, accompanied by the posterior circumflex humeral artery, and innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles. After innervating these muscles, the axillary nerve continues as the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm.
-The SLCNA originates from the axillary nerve near the quadrangular space, which is formed by the teres major muscle, teres minor muscle, long head of the triceps brachii muscle, and the surgical neck of the humerus. After its origin, the nerve courses along the posterior aspect of the deltoid muscle, running parallel to the axillary artery.
+The nerve emerges from beneath the deltoid muscle and becomes superficial, providing sensory innervation to the skin over the lower part of the deltoid muscle and the lateral aspect of the arm. This area is often referred to as the "regimental badge" area due to its location.
-As it travels distally, the SLCNA pierces the deep fascia and divides into multiple branches that supply the skin on the lateral aspect of the upper arm. These branches innervate the skin overlying the deltoid muscle, extending from the shoulder to the mid-arm region.
+==Function==
+The primary function of the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm is to convey sensory information from the skin in its area of distribution to the central nervous system. This includes sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.
-=== Function ===
+==Clinical significance==
+Injury to the axillary nerve, such as from shoulder dislocation or surgical procedures, can lead to loss of sensation in the area supplied by the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm. This can result in numbness or a tingling sensation over the "regimental badge" area.
-The main function of the SLCNA is to provide sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the upper arm. It carries sensory information from the skin back to the central nervous system, allowing for the perception of touch, temperature, and pain in this region.
+==Also see==
+* [[Axillary nerve]]
+* [[Brachial plexus]]
+* [[Cutaneous innervation of the upper limb]]
+* [[Deltoid muscle]]
-=== Clinical Significance ===
+==References==
+* Gray's Anatomy (public domain text)
-Injury or compression of the SLCNA can result in sensory disturbances in the lateral aspect of the upper arm. This can manifest as numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the affected area. Common causes of SLCNA injury include trauma, such as fractures or dislocations of the shoulder or humerus, as well as compression due to tight clothing or repetitive activities.
+[[File:Gray811and813.PNG|thumb]]
+[[File:Gray812and814.PNG|thumb]]
-=== Related Nerves ===
+{{Brachial plexus}}
+{{Nerves of the upper limb}}
-The SLCNA is closely related to other nerves in the brachial plexus and upper extremity. These include:
+[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
+[[Category:Nerves of the upper limb]]
-- Axillary Nerve: The SLCNA is a branch of the axillary nerve, which also provides motor innervation to the deltoid muscle and teres minor muscle.
-- Radial Nerve: The radial nerve runs alongside the axillary nerve and gives rise to branches that innervate the posterior aspect of the arm, forearm, and hand.
-- Musculocutaneous Nerve: The musculocutaneous nerve arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus and provides motor innervation to the muscles in the anterior compartment of the arm, as well as sensory innervation to the lateral forearm.
-=== Conclusion ===
-The superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm is an important sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin on the lateral aspect of the upper arm. Understanding its anatomy and function is crucial for diagnosing and managing sensory disturbances in this region.<br>{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}