Musculocutaneous nerve

Musculocutaneous nerve
Nerves of the left upper extremity. (Musculocutaneous labeled at upper right.)
Details
FromLateral cord (C5-C7)
ToLateral cutaneous nerve of forearm
InnervatesAnterior compartment of the arm
Identifiers
Latinnervus musculocutaneus
MeSHD009138
TA98A14.2.03.024
TA26421
FMA37064
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The musculocutaneous nerve is a mixed branch of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus derived from cervical spinal nerves C5-C7. It arises opposite the lower border of the pectoralis minor. It provides motor innervation to the muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm: the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and brachialis. It provides sensory innervation to the lateral forearm (via its terminal branch). It courses through the anterior part of the arm, terminating 2 cm above elbow; after passing the lateral edge of the tendon of biceps brachii it is becomes known as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm.