Superficial branch of ulnar nerve

Superficial Branch of Ulnar Nerve

The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve is a terminal branch of the ulnar nerve, which is one of the major nerves of the upper limb. This branch is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to parts of the hand.

Superficial branch of ulnar nerve

Anatomy

The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus, specifically from the C8 and T1 nerve roots. It travels down the arm, passing posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and continues into the forearm. In the forearm, the ulnar nerve travels between the flexor carpi ulnaris and the flexor digitorum profundus muscles.

As the ulnar nerve approaches the wrist, it divides into two main branches: the deep branch and the superficial branch. The superficial branch of the ulnar nerve emerges at the wrist and enters the hand.

Function

The primary function of the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve is to provide sensory innervation. It supplies sensation to the palmar aspect of the medial one and a half fingers (the little finger and the medial half of the ring finger) and the associated palm area.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve can result in sensory deficits in its area of distribution. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or other pathological conditions affecting the ulnar nerve at the wrist or hand.

Symptoms of injury may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected fingers. In some cases, there may also be a loss of fine motor control in the hand due to the involvement of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, which innervates several intrinsic muscles of the hand.

Superficial branch of ulnar nerve

Related Pages

• Ulnar nerve
• Brachial plexus
• Flexor carpi ulnaris
• Flexor digitorum profundus
• Medial epicondyle of the humerus