The radial nerve divides into a deep branch, which becomes the posterior interosseous nerve, and a superficial branch, which goes on to innervate the dorsum (back) of the hand. This nerve was historically referred to as the musculospiral nerve. [2]
Your radial nerve is a peripheral nerve that supplies movement and sensory function to parts of your arm, forearm, wrist and hand. You have one in each arm.
The radial nerve is one of the terminal branches of the posterior cord. In the axilla, it lies behind the axillary and upper brachial arteries and passes anterior to the tendons of teres minor, latissimus dorsi and subscapularis.
The radial nerve is a major peripheral nerve of the upper limb. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the radial nerve – its anatomical course and its motor and sensory functions.
The radial nerve runs down the underside of the arm and controls movement of the triceps (the muscle located at the back of the upper arm).
Anatomy, distribution and function of the radial nerve. The radial nerve is the largest nerve of the upper limb. It originates as the terminal branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. The radial nerve arises in the axillary region and descends down along the posterior surface of the humerus.
Radial nerve injuries can cause sharp, burning pain and may prevent you from straightening your fingers or arm. Treatment often includes wrist splints, pain medicine, and physical therapy to help regain movement.
Damage to one nerve, such as the radial nerve, is called mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is damage to a single nerve. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage. Causes of mononeuropathy include: