brachial plexus
Học thuậtThân thiện
A doctor points to a diagram of the brachial plexus during a medical lecture.
Definition
- Noun:
- A network of nerves: The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves, specifically formed by the ventral rami of the lower four cervical spinal nerves and the first thoracic spinal nerve (C5-C8 and T1).
- Supplies the arm and shoulder: This network is responsible for supplying motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Damage to the brachial plexus can cause weakness or numbness in the arm.
- The surgeon carefully dissected the area to expose the brachial plexus.
- The brachial plexus is vulnerable to injury during childbirth or trauma.
Advanced Usage
- Medical Context: The term is primarily used in medical, anatomical, and clinical contexts (e.g., neurology, orthopedics, anesthesiology).
- The anesthesiologist performed a brachial plexus block to numb the patient's arm for surgery.
- Pathological Conditions: Often discussed in relation to specific injuries or syndromes.
- Brachial plexopathy refers to any disorder affecting the brachial plexus.
Variants and Related Words
- Plexus (n): A general term for a network of nerves or blood vessels.
- The solar plexus is another major nerve network in the abdomen.
- Brachial (adj): Relating to the arm.
- The brachial artery is the major blood vessel of the upper arm.
Synonyms
- Nerve plexus of the arm: A descriptive synonym.
- (None are perfect synonyms): In technical contexts, the specific term "brachial plexus" is almost always used without substitution.
Related Phrases
- Brachial plexus injury: Damage to this nerve network.
- The football player suffered a brachial plexus injury during the tackle.
- Brachial plexus block: A regional anesthesia technique.
- A brachial plexus block is often used for hand and forearm surgeries.
Related Idioms
- (Not applicable): As a specific anatomical term, "brachial plexus" is not used in idiomatic expressions.
A doctor points to a diagram of the brachial plexus during a medical lecture.
Noun
- a network of nerves formed by cervical and thoracic spinal nerves and supplying the arm and parts of the shoulder