Median nerve

Nervus medianus

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.

Type Nerve
Body System Nervous
Body Region Forearm
Parent Structure arm nerve
Latin Name Nervus medianus
FMA ID 14385

Function

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.

Clinical Significance

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.

Related Structures

accessory nucleus of optic tract nuclei accessorii tractus optici accessory pretectal nucleus APN aggregate regional part of brain set of nuclei of neuraxis alar plate midbrain amiculum of dentate nucleus amiculum nuclei dentati amiculum of inferior olive ami ampulla caudalis ansa peduncularis ansa peduncularis in thalamo

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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.