Superficial branch of radial nerve

Superficial branch of radial nerve is a nerve that originates from the radial nerve, a major nerve of the human body. It is responsible for the sensory innervation of the skin on the back of the hand, as well as the lateral (thumb side) three and a half digits.

Etymology

The term "superficial" in the name of this nerve refers to its position near the surface of the body, while "branch" indicates that it is a subdivision of the larger radial nerve. The term "radial" is derived from the Latin word "radius", meaning "ray", in reference to the radial bone of the forearm, around which the nerve wraps.

Anatomy

The superficial branch of the radial nerve originates from the radial nerve proper at around the level of the elbow. It then travels down the forearm, running parallel to the radius bone, and eventually branches out to innervate the skin on the back of the hand and the lateral three and a half digits.

Function

The primary function of the superficial branch of the radial nerve is sensory innervation. It provides the sense of touch, temperature, and pain to the skin on the back of the hand and the lateral three and a half digits.

Clinical significance

Damage to the superficial branch of the radial nerve can result in a condition known as Cheiralgia paresthetica, also known as Wartenberg's syndrome. This condition is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the area of skin innervated by the nerve.

Related terms

• Radial nerve
• Cheiralgia paresthetica
• Radius (bone)

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  Superficial branch of radial nerve