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brachial-plexus

Brachial Plexus — Complete Anatomy Guide for NEET PG

Master the brachial plexus anatomy for NEET PG with roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and branches. Includes mnemonics, clinical correlations, and common MCQs.

Overview

The brachial plexus is one of the most frequently tested topics in NEET PG Anatomy. It supplies the upper limb and is formed by the ventral rami of C5-T1.

Structure: Roots to Branches

Roots (C5, C6, C7, C8, T1)

The ventral rami emerge from the intervertebral foramina and pass between the scalenus anterior and scalenus medius muscles.

Trunks

  • Upper trunk: C5 + C6
  • Middle trunk: C7 alone
  • Lower trunk: C8 + T1

Divisions

Each trunk divides into anterior and posterior divisions (6 total).

Cords

Named by their relation to the axillary artery:

  • Lateral cord: Anterior divisions of upper and middle trunks
  • Posterior cord: All three posterior divisions
  • Medial cord: Anterior division of lower trunk

Terminal Branches

Mnemonic: MARMU (from lateral to medial)

  • Musculocutaneous nerve (lateral cord)
  • Axillary nerve (posterior cord)
  • Radial nerve (posterior cord)
  • Median nerve (lateral + medial cords)
  • Ulnar nerve (medial cord)

High-Yield Clinical Correlations

Erb-Duchenne Palsy (C5-C6)

  • Upper trunk injury
  • "Waiter's tip" position
  • Loss of shoulder abduction, lateral rotation, elbow flexion
  • Cause: Shoulder dystocia, motorcycle accidents

Klumpke's Palsy (C8-T1)

  • Lower trunk injury
  • "Claw hand" deformity
  • Loss of intrinsic hand muscles
  • Horner's syndrome if T1 sympathetic fibers involved

Saturday Night Palsy

  • Radial nerve compression in spiral groove
  • Wrist drop
  • Cause: Arm draped over chair while sleeping

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Median nerve compression at wrist
  • Thenar muscle wasting
  • Loss of sensation in lateral 3.5 fingers (palmar)

Common NEET PG Questions

  1. Which cord of brachial plexus is related to the axillary artery posteriorly? — Posterior cord
  2. Nerve injured in fracture of surgical neck of humerus? — Axillary nerve
  3. Nerve injured in fracture of shaft of humerus? — Radial nerve
  4. Erb's point is located at? — Upper trunk (C5-C6 junction)

Study Tips

  • Draw the brachial plexus from memory at least 5 times
  • Practice identifying clinical scenarios (injury level from symptoms)
  • Use NEETPGAI to practice anatomy MCQs with AI-powered explanations

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