Which nerve carries C5-C6 to the shoulder region?

Which nerve carries C5-C6 to the shoulder region?

• A. Dorsal scapular nerve
• B. Long thoracic nerve
• C. Suprascapular nerve
• D. Axillary nerve

Answer: (D)

The axillary nerve carries C5 and C6 to the shoulder region. This nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and travels through the quadrangular space with the posterior circumflex humeral artery to reach and innervate the deltoid and teres minor muscles, while also providing sensation over the skin of the lateral shoulder (the regimental badge area). This combination of roots and path makes it the main carrier of C5–C6 to the shoulder. Other nerves involved with the shoulder may carry C5–C6 as well, but their primary targets differ: for example, dorsal scapular and long thoracic nerves mainly supply scapular stabilizers and serratus anterior, and the suprascapular nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus.

The axillary nerve carries C5 and C6 to the shoulder region. This nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and travels through the quadrangular space with the posterior circumflex humeral artery to reach and innervate the deltoid and teres minor muscles, while also providing sensation over the skin of the lateral shoulder (the regimental badge area). This combination of roots and path makes it the main carrier of C5–C6 to the shoulder. Other nerves involved with the shoulder may carry C5–C6 as well, but their primary targets differ: for example, dorsal scapular and long thoracic nerves mainly supply scapular stabilizers and serratus anterior, and the suprascapular nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus.