C5 Nerve Root

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Contribution

C5 and C6 contribute to the Superior trunk of the brachial plexus.

Motor Innervation

C5 Nerve Root Skeletal Muscle Innervations
Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Anterior scalene	Anterior tubercle of TP of C3-C6¹ Anterior tubercle of TP of C3-C6 [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Scalene tubercle of 1st Rib¹ Scalene tubercle of 1st Rib [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Anterior Rami¹ C4 - C6¹ Anterior Rami [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] C4 - C6 [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Fixed ribs (bil) C/s flexion [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Cervical lateral stabilization [@finandoTriggerPointTherapy2005] Fixed ribs (unilateral) I/L C/s sidebend (unilateral) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Mobile ribs Elevates ribs during forced inspiration [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Coracobrachialis	Coracoid process¹ [Coracoid process](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Humerus (in line with crest of lesser tubercle)¹ [Humerus (in line with crest of lesser tubercle)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Musculocutaneous n.¹ C5 - C7¹ [Musculocutaneous n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [C5](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#nerve) - [C7](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	GHJ [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [IR](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Arm Anterior Muscles/coracobrachialis.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Middle scalene	C1-C2 TP¹ Posterior tubercle of TP of C3-C7¹ C1-C2 TP [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Posterior tubercle of TP of C3-C7 [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	1st Rib (posterior to groove for subclavian a.)¹ 1st Rib (posterior to groove for subclavian a.) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Anterior Rami¹ C3 - C8¹ Anterior Rami [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] C3 - C8 [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Fixed ribs (bil) C/s flexion [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Cervical lateral stabilization [@finandoTriggerPointTherapy2005] Fixed ribs (unilateral) I/L C/s sidebend (unilateral) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Mobile ribs Elevates ribs during forced inspiration [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Pectoralis major	Clavicle (medial half)¹ Sternum¹ Costal cartilages 1-6¹ Rectus sheath (anterior layer)¹ [Clavicle (medial half)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Sternum](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Costal cartilages 1-6](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Rectus sheath (anterior layer)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Humerus (crest of greater tubercle)¹ [Humerus (crest of greater tubercle)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Lateral pectoral n.¹ Medial pectoral n.¹ C5 - T1¹ [Lateral pectoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Medial pectoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [C5](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#nerve) - [T1](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Clavicular & Sternocostal parts [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Aids in respiration when shoulder is fixed](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Entire muscle [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [IR](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/pectoralis_major_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Serratus anterior	1-9 Ribs¹ [1-9 Ribs](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Superior angle of Scapula (costal and dorsal surfaces)¹ Medial border of scapula (costal surface)¹ Medial border of scapula (costal surface)¹ Inferior angle of Scapula (costal & dorsal surfaces)¹ [Superior angle of Scapula (costal and dorsal surfaces)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Medial border of scapula (costal surface)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Medial border of scapula (costal surface)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Inferior angle of Scapula (costal & dorsal surfaces)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Long thoracic n.¹ C5 - C7¹ [Long thoracic n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [C5](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#nerve) - [C7](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Entire mm. [Protraction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Rib elevation (with fixed shoulder)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Inferior part [Rotates scapula laterally forward](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Superior part [Lowers raised arm](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/serratus_anterior_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Splenius capitis	Nuchal lig.¹ C7-T4 SP¹ Nuchal lig. [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] C7-T4 SP [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Lateral third of nuchal line¹ Mastoid process¹ Lateral third of nuchal line [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Mastoid process [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Spinal nn.¹ Posterior rami (lateral br.)¹ C1 - C6¹ Spinal nn. [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Posterior rami (lateral br.) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] C1 - C6 [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Bilateral Head and neck extension [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Unilateral I/L sidebend [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] I/L rotation [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Splenius cervicis	T3-T7 SP¹ T3-T7 SP [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	C1-C4 SP¹ C1-C4 SP [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Spinal nn.¹ Posterior rami (lateral br.)¹ C1 - C6¹ Spinal nn. [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Posterior rami (lateral br.) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] C1 - C6 [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Bilateral Head and neck extension [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Unilateral I/L sidebend [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] I/L rotation [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Subclavius	1st rib¹ [1st rib](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/subclavius_muscle.html#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Clavicle (inferior surface)¹ [Clavicle (inferior surface)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/subclavius_muscle.html#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	N. to subclavius¹ C5 - C6¹ [N. to subclavius](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/subclavius_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [C5](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/subclavius_muscle.html#nerve) - [C6](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/subclavius_muscle.html#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	SCJ [Clavicular stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Axioappendicular Anterior Muscles/subclavius_muscle.html#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Supraspinatus	Supraspinous Fossa of scapula¹ [Supraspinous Fossa of scapula](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Greater tubercle of Humerus¹ [Greater tubercle of Humerus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Suprascapular n. (C4, C5, C6)¹ C4 - C6¹ [Suprascapular n. (C4, C5, C6)](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [C4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#nerve) - [C6](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Stabilization¹ GHJ ER¹ [Stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] GHJ [ER](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Upper Limb Muscles/Intrinsic Shoulder Muscles/Rotator Cuff/supraspinatus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]

Lesion

“C5 nerve root involvement results in neck, shoulder, and upper anterior arm pain. Sensory disturbances occur on the lateral arm with these lesions. Paresis occurs predominantly and variably in the following muscles: levator scapulae, rhomboids, serratus anterior, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoid, biceps, and brachioradialis (for methods of examination of each of these muscles, see Chapter 2 ). Diaphragmatic paresis may rarely occur owing to C5 fibers reaching the phrenic nerve. The biceps reflex (subserved by segments C5 C6) and the brachioradialis reflex (C5 C6) may be depressed.”²

DDX

Level

C4/C5³

Sensation

Deltoid and lateral arm³

Motor

Deltoid³
Biceps³

Abnormal DTR

Bicep reflex³

References

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

Brazis PW, Masdeu JC, Biller J. Localization in Clinical Neurology. 8th ed. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2022.

Hong CG, Nam WD. Reliability and Diagnostic Accuracy of Standard Dermatomes and Myotomes for Determining the Pathologic Level in Surgically Verified Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy. Neurospine. 2022;19(4):1006-1012. doi:10.14245/ns.2244194.097

Citation

For attribution, please cite this work as:

Yomogida N, Kerstein C. C5 Nerve Root. https://yomokerst.com/The Archive/Anatomy/Nerve Roots/c5_nerve_root.html