Lateral cord

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Lateral cord
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Diagram of the brachial plexus. Lateral cord is labeled left of centre.
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The right brachial plexus with its short branches, viewed from in front. The Sternomastoid and Trapezius muscles have been completely, the Omohyoid and Subclavius have been partially, removed; a piece has been sawed out of the clavicle; the Pectoralis muscles have been incised and reflected.
Details
Fromanterior divisions of the upper and middle trunks of the brachial plexus
To lateral pectoral nerve
musculocutaneous nerve
lateral head of median nerve
Identifiers
Latin fasciculus lateralis plexus brachialis
TA A14.2.03.021
FMA 45235
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The lateral cord is the part of the brachial plexus formed by the anterior divisions of the upper (C5-C6) and middle trunks (C7). Its name comes from it being lateral to the axillary artery as it passes through the axilla. The other cords of the brachial plexus are the posterior cord and medial cord.

The lateral cord gives rise to the following nerves from proximal to distal:

Additional images


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Musculocutaneous nerve

The musculocutaneous nerve arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, opposite the lower border of the pectoralis major, its fibers being derived from C5, C6 and C7.

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The upper (superior) subscapular nerve is the first branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It innervates the superior portion of the subscapularis. The inferior portion of the subscapularis is innervated by the lower subscapular nerve. The upper subscapular nerve contains axons from the ventral rami of the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) cervical nerves.

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The upper (superior) trunk is part of the brachial plexus. It is formed by joining of the ventral rami of the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) cervical nerves. The upper trunk divides into an anterior and posterior division.