Nerve
Median nerve
The 'labourer's nerve'
High-yield
Compressed in the carpal tunnel → thenar wasting and numbness of the lateral 3.5 digits (ape hand). 'LOAF' thenar muscles.
Overview
Formed by lateral and medial cords, it supplies most anterior forearm flexors, the thenar muscles, and lateral two lumbricals, and gives sensation to the lateral palm.
Reference facts
- Roots
C6, C7, C8, T1 (lateral and medial cords)
- Course
Descends through the arm lateral then medial to the brachial artery, passes between the two heads of pronator teres, and travels through the carpal tunnel into the hand
- Motor
Most anterior forearm flexors (except FCU and medial FDP), thenar muscles, and lateral two lumbricals
- Sensory
Palmar lateral 3½ digits and their nail beds; lateral palm
Mnemonic
Median recurrent branch supplies LOAF: Lumbricals 1–2, Opponens pollicis, Abductor pollicis brevis, Flexor pollicis brevis.
Clinical correlation
Carpal tunnel syndrome and the 'hand of benediction' on attempted fist (proximal lesion).