Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Peripheral Nervous System
Spinal Nerves
Short Branches of the Brachial Plexus

The Short branches of the Brachial Plexus include the dorsal scapular, long thoracic, subclavius, suprascapular, and thoracodorsal nerves, which arise from the supraclavicular part of the plexus, as well as the medial and lateral pectoral nerves and the axillary nerve, which originate from the cords of the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus.

The dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae) branches off from the anterior ramus of the fifth cervical nerve (CV) near the intervertebral foramen, pierces the middle scalene Muscle, runs inferiorly to the medial border of the scapula, where it innervates the levator scapulae and rhomboid Muscles.

The long thoracic nerve (n. thoracicus longus) arises from the anterior rami of the fifth to seventh cervical nerves (CV-CVIII), descends along the lateral surface of the anterior scalene muscle, and innervates it.

The subclavius nerve (n. subclavius) (CV) extends downward from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, takes the shortest path to the subclavius muscle, and innervates it. It sends communicating branches to the phrenic nerve, known as accessory phrenic nerves.

The suprascapular nerve (n. suprascapularis) (CV-CVI) runs from the upper trunk toward the scapular notch, passes beneath the superior transverse scapular ligament into the supraspinous fossa, and then under the acromion into the infraspinous fossa. It innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and the capsule of the shoulder joint.

The thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis) (CVI-CVII) runs from the posterior cord along the lateral border of the scapula to the latissimus dorsi muscle.

The medial and lateral pectoral nerves (nn. pectorales medialis (CVIII-ThI) et lateralis (CV-CVII)) originate from the medial and lateral cords of the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus, pass forward, pierce the clavipectoral fascia, and innervate the pectoralis Major and minor muscles.

The axillary nerve (n. axillaris) (CV-CVI) arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, exits the axillary cavity through the quadrangular space along with the posterior circumflex humeral artery, and divides into muscular branches (rr. musculares) that innervate the deltoid and teres minor muscles. The terminal branch of the axillary nerve—the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm (n. cutaneus brachii lateralis superior)—is a sensory nerve that innervates the Skin of the deltoid region and the upper posterior lateral region of the arm.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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