Unusual variations of the lateral and posterior cords in a female cadaver.
The presence of anatomical variations of the peripheral nervous system often accounts for unexpected clinical signs and symptoms. We report unusual variations of the lateral and posterior cords of the brachial plexus in a female cadaver. Such variations are attributed to a faulty union of divisions of the brachial plexus during the embryonic period. The median nerve lay medial to the axillary artery (AA) on both sides. On the right, the lateral root of the median nerve crossing the AA and the median nerve in relation to the medial side of the AA was likely the result of a faulty development of the seventh intersegmental artery. We discuss these variations and compare them with the findings of other researchers. Knowledge of such rare variations is clinically important, aiding radiologists, anaesthesiologists and surgeons to avoid inadvertent damage to nerves and the AA during blocks and surgical interventions.
Anatomy Department, Universiti Kuala Lumpur-Royal College of Medicine Perak, No. 3, Jalan Greentown, Ipoh 30450, Malaysia. santhwin@yahoo.com
San San
SS
Thwin
Fazlin
F
Zaini
Myo
M
Than
Soe
S
Lwin
Maung
M
Myint
D001366:Axillary Artery / Q000294:innervation; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D018594:Human Body; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008875:Middle Aged