Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets
Published on: December 19, 2019
Chicken wings and the brachial plexus
1Department of Embryology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. tdieu@plasticsurg.com.au
Objectives:
Some stages of limb development can now be described in terms of gene sequences and functions. This paper reports on the development of the brachial plexus (BP) in the chick. It also presents a short review on the principles of the peripheral nerve outgrowth.
Methods:
The early development of the brachial plexus of chicken embryos is mapped using immunohistochemistry. This is then analysed in relation to the expression pattern of an axonal guidance gene, Semaphorin3a, by in situ hybridization studies.
Results:
The motor axons that innervate the chick wing emerge from the spinal cord in spinal nerves 12-17. These axons grow towards the developing limb and then congregate at its base to form the plexus. In response to unknown cues, these axons rearrange, before emerging in the defined nerve trunks that innervate the limb. The developmental stages of BP morphogenesis described here closely correlate with previous reports with a significant difference of a shorter 'waiting period'.
Discussion:
The development of the brachial plexus is now better understood. The waiting period, with more modern techniques, is observed to be shorter than previously reported. The significance of this and the role of the guidance molecule, Semaphorin3a, in this process, are being investigated and the results may have important implications on the management of brachial plexus palsy and other peripheral nerve lesions.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Veins of Upper Limbs
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
