Radial nerve

Radial Nerve

The Radial nerve is a nerve in the human body that supplies the posterior portion of the upper limb. It innervates the medial and lateral heads of the triceps brachii muscle of the arm, as well as all 12 muscles in the posterior osteofascial compartment of the forearm and the associated joints and overlying skin.

Structure

The radial nerve originates from the brachial plexus, carrying fibers from the ventral roots of spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8 & T1. It descends in the posterior compartment of the arm, lying deep to the triceps brachii muscle and then spirals around the humerus.

Function

The radial nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of the posterior compartment of the arm and forearm, and sensory innervation to the skin of the arm, forearm, and hand.

Clinical significance

Injury to the radial nerve can result in radial nerve palsy, leading to loss of motor function in the muscles innervated by the radial nerve. This can result in a condition known as "wrist drop", where the patient is unable to extend their wrist and fingers.

See also

• Nervous system
• Peripheral nerve injury
• Upper limb anatomy

References

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External links

• Radial Nerve on PubMed Health

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