Definition

1. Noun:
   • A network of nerves: The "plexus brachialis" is a complex network of intertwined nerves.
   • Formed by spinal nerves: This network is specifically formed from the ventral rami (branches) of the lower four cervical spinal nerves (C5-C8) and the first thoracic spinal nerve (T1).
   • Supplies the upper limb: Its primary function is to supply motor (movement) and sensory (feeling) innervation to the arm, forearm, hand, and parts of the shoulder.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Damage to the plexus brachialis can cause weakness or loss of sensation in the arm.
  • The surgeon carefully dissected the tissue to expose the plexus brachialis.
  • The nerves that control your hand muscles originate in the plexus brachialis.

Advanced Usage

• "Brachial plexus injury": A common term referring to damage to this nerve network, often from trauma like a motorcycle accident or during childbirth.

  • The patient was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury after the collision.

• "Brachial plexus block": A regional anesthesia technique that numbs the arm by injecting local anesthetic near this nerve plexus.

  • The anesthesiologist performed a brachial plexus block before the shoulder surgery.

Variants and Related Words

• Brachial plexus: This is the most common English term and is synonymous with "plexus brachialis." "Plexus brachialis" is the formal Latin-derived anatomical term.
• Nerve plexus (n): A general term for any network of intersecting nerves in the body (e.g., lumbar plexus, sacral plexus).

Synonyms

• Brachial plexus: The direct and most frequently used synonym in medical English.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Roots/Trunks/Divisions/Cords/Branches: These are the specific structural subdivisions of the brachial plexus that organize the nerves from the spinal cord to the peripheral nerves of the arm.
• Innervation (n): The supply of nerves to a specific organ or region of the body, which is the primary function of the plexus.

Noun

1. a network of nerves formed by cervical and thoracic spinal nerves and supplying the arm and parts of the shoulder