Recurrent branch of the median nerve

Recurrent branch of the median nerve is a branch of the median nerve that supplies the muscles of the thenar eminence, a group of muscles located at the base of the thumb. The recurrent branch of the median nerve is also known as the thenar branch of the median nerve.

Etymology

The term "recurrent" comes from the Latin recurrens, meaning "running back", which refers to the direction of this nerve branch. The term "median" is derived from the Latin medianus, meaning "in the middle", which refers to the position of the median nerve in the arm.

Anatomy

The recurrent branch of the median nerve originates from the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. After branching off from the median nerve, the recurrent branch travels back (hence the name "recurrent") towards the muscles of the thenar eminence.

The recurrent branch of the median nerve is responsible for innervating the muscles of the thenar eminence, which include the abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis. These muscles are involved in the movements of the thumb, such as abduction, flexion, and opposition.

Clinical significance

Damage to the recurrent branch of the median nerve can result in a condition known as thenar atrophy, which is characterized by a decrease in the size and strength of the thenar muscles. This can lead to difficulties in performing movements of the thumb, such as pinching or gripping objects.

See also

• Median nerve
• Thenar eminence
• Carpal tunnel

References

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the recurrent branch of the median nerve