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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

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Functional and Physiological Methods of Evaluating Median Nerve Regeneration in the Rat
Published on: April 18, 2020
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Five Roots Pattern of Median Nerve Formation.
Konstantinos Natsis1, George Paraskevas2, Maria Tzika1
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Summary
A rare median nerve variation involved five roots forming the nerve in the upper arm, not the axilla. This anatomical anomaly also positioned the median nerve medial to the brachial artery.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- The median nerve, crucial for upper limb function, typically forms from medial and lateral roots of the brachial plexus in the axilla.
- Variations in its formation and course can lead to diagnostic challenges and surgical complications.
Observation:
- An unusual case of median nerve formation was observed in a male cadaver during dissection.
- The median nerve was comprised of five roots, with three originating from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus.
Findings:
- The median nerve formed distally in the upper arm, deviating from the usual axillary formation.
- An additional variation noted was the median nerve's position medial to the brachial artery.
Implications:
- Understanding these rare anatomical variations is vital for accurate diagnosis and effective surgical planning in the upper limb.
- This case highlights the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge for clinicians and surgeons to avoid iatrogenic injuries.
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