Anaes SAQs · Applied anatomy
Brachial plexus anatomy
Primary — roots (C5-T1 ventral rami) between scalenes; trunks (upper C5-6, middle C7, lower C8-T1); divisions (anterior/posterior); cords (lateral, medial, posterior by relation to axillary artery); branches (musculocutaneous-lateral, axillary+radial-posterior, ulnar-medial, median-lateral+medial = the M); four blocks (interscalene roots/upper trunk + phrenic risk; supraclavicular divisions + pneumothorax risk; infraclavicular/costoclavicular cords; axillary branches); Erb's (upper trunk, waiter's tip) vs Klumpke's (lower trunk, claw hand).
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Question
Describe the five-stage organisation of the brachial plexus. State the cord of origin of each terminal branch, and outline the four classic approaches to brachial-plexus block and the level each targets.
[6]References4ShowHide
- [1]Soor B, et al. Ultrasound-guided Interscalene Block as a Safer Alternative to General Anesthesia in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis Undergoing Proximal Humerus Fracture Fixation. Ann Afr Med, 2026.PMID 42318963
- [3]Rani N, et al. Ultrasound-Guided Selective Trunk Block Combined With Supraclavicular Nerve Block for Awake Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Case Series. Cureus, 2026.PMID 42220761
- [4]Yazar V, et al. Comparison of Costoclavicular Block and Infraclavicular Block Effects on Tissue Oxygen Saturation. BMC Anesthesiol, 2026.PMID 42279582
- [6]Jones MR, Novitch MB, Sen S, et al. Upper extremity regional anesthesia techniques: A comprehensive review for clinical anesthesiologists. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol, 2020.PMID 32334792