Study note
Brachial plexus formation and relations to the axillary artery
THE CONTEXT
The brachial plexus has successive structural components and specific relations to the parts of the axillary artery.
Successive levels of brachial plexus organization. This diagram shows organization rather than the anatomical course of nerves.
Formation and organization
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The brachial plexus is formed by the ventral primary rami of the lower four cervical nerves, C5–C8, and the first thoracic nerve, T1.
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Its components are roots, trunks, divisions, cords and branches.
Arterial relations
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The first and second parts of the axillary artery are related to the cords of the plexus.
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The third part of the axillary artery is related to the branches of the plexus.
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