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Brachial Plexus Cords — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateAnatomyBrachial Plexus CordsFRCA Primary

In the usual anatomical arrangement, which pair comprises terminal branches arising from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus?

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Correct answer: D — Musculocutaneous nerve and lateral root of the median nerve

The correct answer is D. The lateral cord, carrying predominantly C5–C7 fibres, gives rise to the musculocutaneous nerve and the lateral root of the median nerve. It also gives off the lateral pectoral nerve, but this is a collateral rather than a terminal branch. The long thoracic nerve arises from the roots, while the suprascapular nerve arises from the upper trunk. The ulnar and medial cutaneous nerves arise from the medial cord. The thoracodorsal and subscapular nerves are branches of the posterior cord, whose terminal branches are the radial and axillary nerves.

Reference: Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Anatomical basic knowledge for the occasional RA anesthesiologist. 2024;49(Suppl 1):A373.2. https://rapm.bmj.com/content/49/Suppl_1/A373.2