The posterior cord is a part of the brachial plexus. It consists of contributions from all of the roots of the brachial plexus.[1]

Posterior cord
Plan of brachial plexus. (Posterior cord is shaded gray.)
The right brachial plexus with its short branches, viewed from in front. The sternomastoid and trapezius muscles have been completely removed, the omohyoid and subclavius have been partially removed; a piece has been sawed out of the clavicle; the pectoralis muscles have been incised and reflected.
Details
FromBrachial plexus - posterior divisions of the three trunks
ToSubscapular, up. and low.
thoracodorsal
axillary
radial
InnervatesNone
Identifiers
Latinfasciculus posterior plexus brachialis
TA98A14.2.03.023
TA26416
FMA45237
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The posterior cord gives rise to the following nerves:[2]

Name Roots Supplies
upper subscapular nerve C5-C6 subscapularis muscle of the rotator cuff
lower subscapular nerve C5-C6 subscapularis muscle, teres major muscle
thoracodorsal nerve C6-C8 latissimus dorsi muscle
axillary nerve C5-C6 sensation to the shoulder and motor to the deltoid muscle and the teres minor
radial nerve C5-C8, T1 triceps brachii muscle, the brachioradialis muscle, the extensor muscles of the fingers and wrist (extensor carpi radialis muscle), supinator, and the extensor and abductor muscles of the thumb

Additional images

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References

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  1. ^ Drake, Richard, et al. Gray's Anatomy For Students, Elsevier, 2005. pg. 657
  2. ^ MedicalMnemonics.com: 465

MBBS resources http://mbbsbasic.googlepages.com/

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