AXILLARY NERVE Meaning and
Definition
-
The axillary nerve is a peripheral nerve that is part of the brachial plexus. It originates from the fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves and runs through the axilla or the armpit region. The main function of the axillary nerve is to provide innervation to the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint and the deltoid muscle. It also supplies sensation to a small area of the skin over the shoulder.
The axillary nerve passes through a space called the quadrilateral space, which is bordered by the teres minor muscle, the humerus bone, the long head of the triceps brachii muscle, and the subscapularis muscle. It can be easily susceptible to injury in this region, particularly from trauma or shoulder dislocation. When the axillary nerve is damaged, it can result in weakness or paralysis of the deltoid muscle and a loss of sensation in the shoulder area, leading to difficulty in shoulder movements and possible shoulder joint instability.
Medical conditions that may affect the axillary nerve include shoulder dislocation, fractures involving the surgical neck of the humerus, traumatic injuries, nerve entrapment syndromes, and sometimes surgical procedures. Treatment for axillary nerve injuries may involve conservative management, such as physical therapy and stretching exercises, or in severe cases, surgical interventions like nerve repair or grafting. Rehabilitation methods aim to regain shoulder strength, movement, and sensory function.
-
A branch of the supraclavicular portion of the brachial plexus; mainly a motor nerve of the muscles of the shoulder, but containing sensory fibers.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AXILLARY NERVE
- axillary nerwe
- axillary nervu
- axillary nervm
- axillary nerva
- axillary nervg
- axeillarynerve
- a xillary nerve
- ax illary nerve
- axi llary nerve
- axil lary nerve
- axill ary nerve
- axilla ry nerve
- axillar y nerve
- axillary n erve
- axillary ne rve
- axillary ner ve
- axillary nerv e
Etymology of AXILLARY NERVE
The word "axillary" is derived from the Latin word "axillaris", which means "pertaining to the armpit". "Nerve" comes from the Latin word "nervus", meaning "sinew, tendon, nerve". Therefore, the term "axillary nerve" refers to the nerve that is associated with or passes through the armpit region.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
