Nerve
Long thoracic nerve
Nerve to serratus anterior
High-yield
C5, C6, C7 ('raise your arms to heaven'); injury (axillary surgery) → winged scapula.
Overview
A nerve arising directly from the roots that descends on the surface of serratus anterior to supply it.
Reference facts
- Roots
C5, C6, C7 (roots of the brachial plexus)
- Course
Descends on the external surface of serratus anterior along the mid-axillary line
- Motor
Serratus anterior
- Sensory
None
Clinical correlation
Long thoracic nerve palsy → medial (classic) winging of the scapula.