Median antebrachial cutaneous nerve

A sensory nerve that provides sensation to the skin of the forearm.

The median antebrachial cutaneous nerve is a branch of the median nerve that innervates the skin on the medial aspect of the forearm. It arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and specifically contributes to the sensation of the skin rather than motor function. This nerve is important for relaying sensory information from the forearm to the central nervous system.

Terminologia Anatomica

nervus cutaneus antebrachii medianus

System

Nervous system

Function

The primary function of the median antebrachial cutaneous nerve is to provide sensory innervation to the skin of the medial forearm. This sensory feedback is crucial for the protection of the underlying tissues, indicating pain, temperature, and touch. By transmitting this sensory information, the nerve plays a vital role in reflex responses and the perception of the environment. Sensory input from the forearm enables individuals to manipulate objects and perform fine motor skills, highlighting its essential role in everyday activities.

Location

The median antebrachial cutaneous nerve is located along the medial side of the forearm, branching off from the median nerve in the upper arm. It travels down the forearm, closely following the course of the ulnar artery and lies beneath the skin, running parallel to the medial antebrachial veins. This position allows it to effectively reach the skin, providing sensory innervation to a specific area of the forearm, while being shielded by the surrounding muscles and connective tissue.

Did You Know?

The median antebrachial cutaneous nerve often varies in its anatomical course and can sometimes be absent in individuals.
It is one of the several cutaneous nerves that branch from the larger median nerve.
Injuries or compression to the median nerve can adversely affect the sensation supplied by the median antebrachial cutaneous nerve.