Absence of musculocutaneous nerve: two case reports

Anomalies of the brachial plexus including its terminal branches as well as the course and distribution of the nerves in the upper limb have been reported in the literature. Two cases of absent musculocutaneous nerve from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus encountered during routine gross anatomical dissection are reported. The median nerve took over the area of supply of the musculocutaneous nerve by giving both the muscular and sensory branches. Out of 24 upper limbs dissected, the musculocutaneous nerve was found to be absent in 8% of the cases. The clinical implications of the absent musculocutaneous nerve and its etiology in light of its development is discussed.