Definition: The brachial plexus is a collection of nerves that comes out of the spinal vertebrae that are located in the lower part of the neck and the upper part of the shoulder. The brachial plexus forms a network outside its exit place from the cervical spine. This network is located on the front (toward the side) of the neck and travels under the collarbone, down the chest (just in front of the armpit). From there, the nerves of the plexus branch off into the arm, wrist hand and fingers. These are the nerves that control the muscles that move the upper limb and hand. See an illustration of the brachial plexus.
Sources:
Child, Z. Basic Orthopedic Exams Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 2007. Baltimore, MD.
Information United Brachial Plexus Network. 2000. Accessed Sept 17, 2007
Brachial Plexus Information Page National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Last updated: Feb 12, 2007 Accessed Sept 17, 2007.
Pronunciation: bray-kee-ahl plehx-us
Examples: In a neurological exam, a doctor will test the nerves that arise from the brachial plexus by asking you to do certain movements of your hand, fingers and arm.
