Posterior cord of brachial plexus

The posterior cord is a part of the infraclavicular part of brachial plexus.

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

The posterior cord gives rise to the following nerves:

• The upper subscapular nerve

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

• The lower subscapular nerve

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

• The thoracodorsal nerve

Roots: C6-C8 Supplies: latissimus dorsi muscle

• The 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

• The 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.