Which set lists the major nerves of the brachial plexus?

Which set lists the major nerves of the brachial plexus?

• A. Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Median, Radial, Ulnar
• B. Facial, Vestibulocochlear, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus
• C. Sciatic, Tibial, Common Fibular, Sural
• D. Optic, Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens

Answer: (A)

This question tests knowing the main nerves that arise from the brachial plexus to supply the upper limb. The major nerves are the five that are typically emphasized as terminal branches: musculocutaneous, axillary, median, radial, and ulnar. They cover the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand with distinct but overlapping innervation—musculocutaneous to the anterior arm and lateral forearm, axillary to the deltoid and teres minor, median to most of the anterior forearm and many hand muscles, radial to the posterior arm and forearm and the back of the hand, and ulnar to most intrinsic hand muscles and some forearm flexors. The other options belong to different parts of the nervous system: cranial nerves that control the face and senses, or nerves of the lower limb, which are not part of the brachial plexus. Therefore, the set listing these five upper-limb nerves is the correct one.

This question tests knowing the main nerves that arise from the brachial plexus to supply the upper limb. The major nerves are the five that are typically emphasized as terminal branches: musculocutaneous, axillary, median, radial, and ulnar. They cover the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand with distinct but overlapping innervation—musculocutaneous to the anterior arm and lateral forearm, axillary to the deltoid and teres minor, median to most of the anterior forearm and many hand muscles, radial to the posterior arm and forearm and the back of the hand, and ulnar to most intrinsic hand muscles and some forearm flexors. The other options belong to different parts of the nervous system: cranial nerves that control the face and senses, or nerves of the lower limb, which are not part of the brachial plexus. Therefore, the set listing these five upper-limb nerves is the correct one.