Anaes Vivas · Applied anatomy
Data viva — the brachial plexus M-shape
A Primary anatomy data viva — interpret the brachial-plexus M-shape; give the cord of origin of each terminal branch (musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, ulnar); map the four block approaches (interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, axillary) onto the plexus levels; explain Erb's versus Klumpke's palsies.
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A labelled M-shaped diagram of the brachial plexus shows the roots C5-T1, the upper/middle/lower trunks, the anterior and posterior divisions, the lateral/medial/posterior cords arranged around the axillary artery, and the five terminal branches (musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, ulnar). Talk through the diagram, give the cord of origin of each branch, and state which block targets each level.
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
- [6]Davidge KM et al. Nerve Transfers in Birth Related Brachial Plexus Injuries: Where Do We Stand? Hand Clin, 2016.PMID 27094890
- [42318964]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.