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Median nerve

Nervus medianus

Formed from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus (C5 to T1), the median nerve supplies most of the flexor muscles of the forearm and the thenar muscles of the hand, and carries sensation from the lateral palm and the palmar surface of the lateral three and a half digits. It descends through the arm without branching, crosses the cubital fossa, runs between the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus in the forearm, and enters the hand through the carpal tunnel. Compression at the wrist produces carpal tunnel syndrome, with numbness, tingling, and weakness. More proximally, pronator teres syndrome compresses the nerve, anterior interosseous syndrome affects its motor branches, and a high lesion produces the hand of benediction.

Formed from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus (C5-T1). It descends through the arm without giving branches, passes through the cubital fossa, runs between the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus in the forearm, and enters the hand through the carpal tunnel.

On this page
유형 Nerve
신체 계통 Nervous
신체 부위 Forearm
상위 구조물 arm nerve
라틴어 명칭 Nervus medianus
FMA ID 14385

기능

Provides motor innervation to most flexors of the forearm and thenar muscles of the hand. Provides sensory innervation to the lateral palm and palmar surface of the lateral three and a half digits.

임상적 의의

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness. Anterior interosseous syndrome affects motor function. Pronator teres syndrome compresses the nerve proximally. The hand of benediction occurs with high median nerve lesions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the median nerve control?

The median nerve provides motor innervation to most of the flexor muscles of the forearm and several intrinsic hand muscles, particularly those of the thenar eminence (thumb muscles). Sensory supply covers the palmar surface of the thumb, index, middle, and lateral half of the ring finger, making it essential for fine pinch grip and sensation.

Where does the median nerve travel?

The median nerve forms from medial and lateral cords of the brachial plexus (C6–T1) in the axilla. It descends through the medial arm without branching, enters the forearm between heads of the pronator teres, travels deep to the flexor digitorum superficialis, and enters the hand through the carpal tunnel beneath the flexor retinaculum.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment disorder, caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worse at night. Severe cases lead to thenar muscle wasting. Treatment includes splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgical decompression.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:14385 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0001148 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — Median nerve Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.