Radial Nerve

Radial Nerve: Anatomy, Functions and Disorders

The radial nerve, also known as the radial nerve, is one of the most important nerves of the arm. It passes through the shoulder and forearm, innervating the muscles and skin in this area. In this article, we will look at the anatomy, functions, and disorders associated with the Radial nerve.

Anatomy of the Radial Nerve

The radial nerve originates from the brachial plexus, which consists of nerves originating from the neck and upper back. It runs down the back of the shoulder and then down the back of the forearm, innervating the muscles and skin in that area.

The Radial nerve has several branches that innervate specific muscles and areas of skin. One of the main branches of the Radial nerve innervates the triceps brachii muscle, which is responsible for the movement of the shoulder and forearm. Other branches of the Radial nerve innervate the posterior group of muscles of the forearm, which are responsible for various movements of the hand and fingers.

The radial nerve also innervates the skin on the back of the shoulder, forearm and dorsum of the hand. It also partially innervates the skin at the base of the thumb and on the lateral side of the base of the second and third fingers.

Functions of the Radial Nerve

The radial nerve plays an important role in the movement and sensation of the hand. It is responsible for the movement of the shoulder, forearm, hand and fingers, as well as the sensitivity of the skin in these areas.

Most of the muscles innervated by the Radial nerve are responsible for the extension and extension of the arm and fingers. The triceps brachii muscle, for example, is responsible for raising the shoulder and extending the forearm. The posterior group of muscles of the forearm is responsible for various movements of the hand and fingers.

The Radial nerve is also responsible for sensation in the skin on the back of the shoulder, forearm, and back of the hand. This sensitivity allows us to sense touch, pressure, and other stimuli in these areas.

Radial nerve disorders

Various disorders can affect the radial nerve, which can lead to various symptoms and hand dysfunction. For example, Radial nerve syndrome occurs when the Radial nerve becomes compressed or damaged in the shoulder or forearm. This can lead to numbness, decreased movement of the fingers and hand, and pain in the shoulder and forearm areas.

Other disorders associated with the radial nerve may include radiculopathy, which occurs when the roots of the brachial plexus are damaged, and mononeuropathy, which occurs when individual branches of the radial nerve are damaged.

Treatment for radial nerve disorders depends on their cause and severity. In some cases, surgery may be required to restore radial nerve function.

In conclusion, the Radial nerve is an important nerve of the hand that plays a key role in movement and sensation. Various disorders associated with the radial nerve can lead to impaired hand function, so it is important to see a doctor if symptoms appear.



The radial nerve is an important mixed nerve of the arm, which is the largest branch in the brachial plexus. It runs down behind the humerus and innervates the muscles of the shoulder and the posterior group of muscles in the forearm. In addition, the radial nerve innervates the skin that covers the back surface of the shoulder, forearm, dorsal and lateral surfaces of the base of the thumb, as well as partially the skin on the II and III fingers.

The radial nerve has several functions. It is responsible for the motor activity of the muscles in the shoulder and forearm, as well as the sensitivity of the skin in these areas. In addition, this nerve is also responsible for innervating the skin on the dorsum of the hand, which allows us to feel pressure and temperature in this area.

However, if the radial nerve is damaged or its function is impaired, it can lead to a variety of problems, including loss of sensation, muscle weakness, pain, and even paralysis. To prevent these problems, it is important to take care of the health of this nerve, for example through regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Thus, the radial nerve plays an important role in our body and must be protected.



The radial nerve is one of the important organs of the hand. At its core, it is a mixed branch of the brachial plexus. On its way it goes around the humerus. It innervates the triceps muscle and the posterior group of muscles on the forearm. Also, this organ is responsible for the innervation of the skin at the back of the shoulder, in the forearm area and therefore helps to participate in the process of movement of the hands and fingers. The areas of the dorsal side of the base of the thumb are also innervated in this way, partly also to the area of ​​the palmar side of the thumb.