Branches of posterior cord of brachial plexus

The posterior cord is a part of the brachial plexus.

It consists of contributions from all of the roots of the brachial plexus.

The posterior cord gives rise to the following nerves:

• Upper subscapular nerve

Roots: C5-C6 Supplies: Subscapularis muscle of the rotator cuff

• Lower subscapular nerve

Roots: C5-C6 Supplies: Subscapularis muscle, teres major muscle

• Thoracodorsal nerve

Roots: C6-C8 Supplies: Latissimus dorsi muscle

• Axillary nerve

Roots: C5-C6 Supplies: Sensation to the shoulder and motor to the deltoid muscle, the teres minor and the triceps brachii (long head) muscle

• Radial nerve

Roots: C5-C8, T1 Supplies: Triceps brachii muscle, the brachioradialis muscle, the extensor muscles of the fingers and wrist (extensor carpi radialis muscle), supinator, and the extensor and abductor muscles of the thumb.