Abstract:

Brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves, formed by ventral rami of lower four cervical and first thoracic nerves which supply the upper limb. Though its variations are common, terminal trifurcation of C5 is rare. During routine dissection in anatomy department, in an old male cadaver, multiple variations of brachial plexus were observed on the left side. It was unique with the absence of superior trunk and lateral cord. The C5 root trifurcated terminally into suprascapular nerve, a root for musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) and posterior division for posterior cord. Musculocutaneous nerve was formed by two separate roots from C5 and C6. Axillary artery was intimately passing between two roots of MCN. Phrenic nerve carried fibres of the nerve to subclavius from C5. Knowledge of these variations is important not only for anatomists but also to neurosurgeons, physicians and anaesthetists for diagnosis, planning the surgeries and avoiding the complications.

Keywords: Brachial plexus, superior (upper) trunk, suprascapular nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, nerve impingement

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