Radial Nerve
Origin
Nerve roots: C5-T12
Motor branches
elbow extensors—the triceps brachii and anconeus—have a single source of nerve supply through the radial nerve3
Direct Muscular branches to:
- Brachialis (partial)
- Triceps brachii
- Anconeus
- Brachioradialis
- Extensors carpi radialis longus (ECRL)
- Extensors carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)
Indirect Muscular branches via Posterior Interosseous Nerve2
- Supinator
- Extensor digitorum
- Extensor digiti minimi
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
- Extensors pollicis brevis
- Extensors pollicis longus
- Extensor indicis
- Abductor pollicis longus
Cutaneous Branches
- Articular brs. from radial n.: Capsule of the shoulder joint
- Articular brs. from posterior interosseous n.: Joint capsule of the wrist and four radial metacarpophalangeal joints
- Posterior brachial cutaneous n.
- Inferior lateral brachial cutaneous n.
- Posterior antebrachial cutaneous n.
Superficial Branches
- Dorsal digital nn.
- Ulnar communicating br.
Pathway
Originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus
Passes through Triceps hiatus (“triangular interval”)
Passes between the brachioradialis and brachialis muscles4.
Treatment
- Brachial plexus axillary release
- Pathway release
- Brachioradialis & brachialis release
Entrapment
References
1.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
2.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
3.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
4.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.
5.
Kolar P. Clinical Rehabilitation. 1st ed. Dynamic Neurological Stabilization; 2014.
Citation
For attribution, please cite this work as:
Yomogida N, Kerstein C. Radial Nerve. https://yomokerst.com/The
Archive/Anatomy/Nerves/Upper extremity
nerves/radial_nerve.html