View source for Median nerve

{{Short description|Nerve of the upper limb}}
{{Infobox nerve
| Name        = Median nerve
| Latin       = nervus medianus
| Image       = Nerves_of_the_left_upper_extremity.gif
| Caption     = Diagram from [[Gray's anatomy]], depicting the peripheral nerves of the [[upper extremity]], amongst others the median nerve
| Image2      =
| Caption2    =
| Innervates  = [[Anterior compartment of the forearm]] (with two exceptions), [[thenar eminence]], [[Lumbricals of the hand|lumbrical]]s, skin of the hand
| BranchFrom  = [[Lateral cord]] and [[medial cord]]
| BranchTo    =
}}
The '''median nerve''' is a [[nerve]] in humans and other animals in the upper limb. It is one of the five main nerves originating from the [[brachial plexus]].

The median nerve originates from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus,<ref name=":0">{{Citation|last=Rea|first=Paul|title=Chapter 3 - Neck|date=2016-01-01|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978012803633400003X|work=Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Head and Neck|pages=131–183|editor-last=Rea|editor-first=Paul|publisher=Academic Press|language=en|doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-803633-4.00003-x|isbn=978-0-12-803633-4|access-date=2020-10-25|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and has contributions from ventral roots of [[Cervical spinal nerve|C6-C7]] (lateral cord) and [[Cervical spinal nerve 8|C8]] and [[Thoracic spinal nerve 1|T1]] (medial cord).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Citation|last1=Ryan|first1=Monique M.|title=Chapter 14 – Mononeuropathies|date=2015-01-01|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124170445000147|work=Neuromuscular Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence (Second Edition)|pages=243–273|editor-last=Darras|editor-first=Basil T.|place=San Diego|publisher=Academic Press|language=en|doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-417044-5.00014-7|isbn=978-0-12-417044-5|access-date=2020-10-25|last2=Jones|first2=H. Royden|author-link=Monique Ryan|editor2-last=Jones|editor2-first=H. Royden|editor3-last=Ryan|editor3-first=Monique M.|editor4-last=De Vivo|editor4-first=Darryl C.|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

The median nerve is the only nerve that passes through the [[carpal tunnel]]. [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]] is the disability that results from the median nerve being pressed in the carpal tunnel.

==Structure==
The median nerve arises from the branches from [[Lateral cord|lateral]] and [[Medial cord|medial cords]] of the [[brachial plexus]], courses through the anterior part of arm, forearm, and hand, and terminates by supplying the muscles of the hand.

===Arm===
After receiving inputs from both the lateral and medial cords of the [[brachial plexus]], the median nerve enters the arm from the [[axilla]] at the inferior margin of the [[teres major]] muscle. It then passes vertically down and courses lateral to the brachial artery between [[biceps brachii]] (above) and [[brachialis]] (below). At first, it is lateral to the artery and lies anterior to the shoulder joint; it then crosses anteriorly to run medial to the artery in the distal arm and into the [[cubital fossa]]. Inside the cubital fossa, the median nerve passes medial to the [[brachial artery]].<ref name=":0" /> The median nerve gives off an articular branch to the elbow joint. A branch to [[pronator teres]] muscle arise from the median nerve immediately above the elbow joint.<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010">{{cite book|last1=Krishna|first1=Garg|title=BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy (Regional and Applied Dissection and Clinical) Volume 1 - Upper limb and thorax|date=2010|publisher=CBS Publishers and Distributors Pvt Ltd|location=India|isbn=978-81-239-1863-1|pages=91, 109–110, 112|edition=Fifth|chapter=8 - Arm}}</ref>

===Forearm===
The median nerve continues in the cubital fossa medial to the brachial artery and passes between the two heads of the pronator teres, deep to the [[bicipital aponeurosis]] ([[aponeurosis]] of biceps) and superficial the brachialis muscle. It crosses the [[ulnar artery]] (branch of brachial artery) while being separated by the deep head of the pronator teres. It then travels between the [[flexor digitorum superficialis]] (above) and [[flexor digitorum profundus]] (below). The median nerve is accompanied by the [[median artery]] (a branch of [[anterior interosseous artery]]) during this course. Then, about 5&nbsp;cm above the [[flexor retinaculum of the hand|flexor retinaculum]] (wrist), it emerges between the [[flexor digitorum superficialis]] (medially) and the [[flexor carpi radialis]] (laterally) into the hand.<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>

The main trunk of the median nerve innervates the superficial and deep groups of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the forearm with the exception of [[flexor carpi ulnaris]]. The median nerve does this by giving off two branches as it courses through the forearm:
* ''Muscular branches'' are given off in the [[cubital fossa]] to supply [[flexor carpi radialis]], [[palmaris longus]], and flexor digitorum superficialis.<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>
* The ''[[anterior interosseous branch]]'' is given off in the upper part of the forearm,<ref name=":2">{{Citation|last=Waldman|first=Steven D.|title=Chapter 45 - Anterior Interosseous Syndrome|date=2014-01-01|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781455709991000459|work=Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes (Third Edition)|pages=130–132|editor-last=Waldman|editor-first=Steven D.|place=Philadelphia|publisher=W.B. Saunders|language=en|doi=10.1016/b978-1-4557-0999-1.00045-9|isbn=978-1-4557-0999-1|access-date=2020-10-25|url-access=subscription}}</ref> courses with the [[anterior interosseous artery]] and innervates [[flexor pollicis longus]] and the lateral half of [[flexor digitorum profundus]] (the ulnar half is supplied by ulnar nerve, as is the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle). It ends with its innervation of [[pronator quadratus]]. In addition to its supply to muscles, this nerve also supplies the distal radioulnar joint and wrist joint.<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>

The median nerve also gives off sensory and other branches in the forearm. The [[palmar cutaneous branch]] of the median nerve arises at the distal part of the forearm. It supplies sensory innervation to the [[thenar eminence]] of the palm and the central palm. Articular branches are given to the elbow joint and proximal radioulnar joint. Vascular branches supply the radial and ulnar arteries. Meanwhile, a communicating branch is given to the [[ulnar nerve]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>

===Hand===
The median nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel, deep to the flexor retinaculum along with the [[tendon]]s of [[flexor digitorum superficialis]], [[flexor digitorum profundus]], and [[flexor pollicis longus]]. From there, it is divided into recurrent muscular branch and digital cutaneous branch:<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>
* The muscular branch (also known as [[Recurrent branch of the median nerve|recurrent branch]]) supplies the thenar muscles ([[opponens pollicis]], [[abductor pollicis brevis]], and superficial part of [[flexor pollicis brevis]])<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>
* Digital cutaneous to the [[proper palmar digital branch]] and the [[common palmar digital branch]]: The proper palmar digital branch gives out three digital branches to the lateral one and a half digits (two digital branches to the thumb, one digital branch to the lateral side of the index finger). The digital branch to the index finger also supplies the [[lumbricals of the hand|first lumbrical]]. The common palmar digital branch divides further into two branches. Both the medial and lateral branches supply the second and third interdigital clefts with adjoining index, middle, and lateral half of ring finger. The lateral branch also supplies the [[lumbricals of the hand|second lumbrical]].<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>

===Variation===
<!--[[File:Grant 1962 85.png|Varying innervation of the hand, the median nerve covering different areas.|thumb|right]]-->
The naturally occurring anomalies of the median nerve are:
* Bifurcation of the median nerve typically occurs after the nerve exits the carpal tunnel; however, in a small percentage (5–10%) of individuals, the median nerve bifurcates more proximal in the carpal tunnel, wrist, or forearm.<ref name=Roll2011>{{cite journal|doi=10.1177/8756479311399763 |title=Sonographic Representation of Bifid Median Nerve and Persistent Median Artery |date=2011 |last1=Roll |first1=Shawn C. |last2=Evans |first2=Kevin D. |journal=Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=89–94 |s2cid=56670411 }}</ref>
* During gestation, a median artery that serves the hand retracts.  However, in some individuals, the median artery does not retract and follows the course next to the median nerve into the hand.<ref name=Roll2011 />
* [[Martin–Gruber anastomosis|Martin–Gruber anastomoses]] can occur when branches of the median nerve cross-over in the forearm and merge with the ulnar nerve to innervate portions of the forehand.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cavalheiro |first1=Cristina Schmitt |last2=Filho |first2=Mauro Razuk |last3=Pedro |first3=Gabriel |last4=Caetano |first4=Maurício Ferreira |last5=Vieira |first5=Luiz Angelo |last6=Caetano |first6=Edie Benedito |date=2016-02-23 |title=Clinical repercussions of Martin-Gruber anastomosis: anatomical study |journal=Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia |volume=51 |issue=2 |pages=214–223 |doi=10.1016/j.rboe.2016.02.003 |issn=2255-4971 |pmc=4812040 |pmid=27069892}}</ref>
* [[Riche-Cannieu anastomosis]] can occur when a connection exists between recurrent branch of the median nerve and deep branch of the ulnar nerve of the hand.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Caetano |first1=Edie Benedito |last2=Vieira |first2=Luiz Angelo |last3=Sabongi |first3=João José |last4=Caetano |first4=Maurício Ferreira |last5=Sabongi |first5=Rodrigo Guerra |date=2019-11-14 |title=Riché-Cannieu Anastomosis: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance |journal=Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia |language=en |volume=54 |issue=5 |pages=564–571 |doi=10.1016/j.rbo.2017.12.019 |pmid=31736524 |pmc=6855928 |issn=0102-3616}}</ref>

==Function==
The median nerve is the main nerve of the front of the [[forearm]]. It supplies the muscles of the front of the forearm and muscles of the [[thenar eminence]], thus controlling the coarse movements of the hand. Therefore, it is also called "labourer's nerve".<ref name="BD Chaurasia 2010"/>

===Arm===
The median nerve has no voluntary motor or cutaneous function in the brachium. It gives vascular branches to the wall of the brachial artery. These vascular branches carry [[Sympathetic nervous system|sympathetic fibers]].

===Forearm===
It innervates all of the [[flexors in the forearm]], except [[flexor carpi ulnaris]] and that part of [[flexor digitorum profundus]] that supplies the fourth and fifth digits.<ref name=":3">{{Citation|last1=Bonfiglioli|first1=Roberta|title=Chapter 22 - Occupational mononeuropathies in industry|date=2015-01-01|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444626271000214|journal=Handbook of Clinical Neurology|volume=131|pages=411–426|editor-last=Lotti|editor-first=Marcello|series=Occupational Neurology|publisher=Elsevier|language=en|doi=10.1016/b978-0-444-62627-1.00021-4|access-date=2020-10-25|last2=Mattioli|first2=Stefano|last3=Violante|first3=Francesco S.|pmid=26563800|isbn=9780444626271 |editor2-last=Bleecker|editor2-first=Margit L.|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The latter two muscles are supplied by the [[ulnar nerve]] (specifically the [[muscular branches of ulnar nerve]]).

The main portion of the median nerve supplies these muscles:

Superficial group:
* [[Pronator teres]]<ref name=":1" />
* [[Flexor carpi radialis]]<ref name=":1" />
* [[Palmaris longus]]<ref name=":1" />

Intermediate group:
* [[Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle]]<ref name=":1" />

The anterior interosseus branch of the median nerve supplies these muscles:

Deep group:
* [[Flexor digitorum profundus]] (only the lateral half)<ref name=":1" />
* [[Flexor pollicis longus]]<ref name=":1" />
* [[Pronator quadratus]]<ref name=":1" />

===Hand===
In the hand, the median nerve supplies motor innervation to the [[Lumbricals of the hand|first and second lumbrical]] muscles. It also supplies the muscles of the [[thenar eminence]] by a recurrent thenar branch.<ref name=":3" /> The rest of the intrinsic muscles of the hand are supplied by the ulnar nerve.

The median nerve innervates the skin of the palmar (volar) side of the [[index finger]], [[thumb]], [[middle finger]], and half the [[ring finger]], and the [[Nail (anatomy)|nail bed]]. The radial aspect of the palm is supplied by the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, which leaves the nerve proximal to the [[wrist]] creases. This palmar cutaneous branch travels in a separate fascial groove adjacent to the flexor carpi radialis and then superficial to the flexor retinaculum. It is, therefore, spared in carpal tunnel syndrome.

==Clinical significance==

=== Injury ===
Injury of median nerve at different levels causes different syndromes with varying motor and sensory deficits.

'''At the shoulder'''
* Injury can occur at the brachial plexus<ref>{{Citation|last=Neal|first=Sara|title=Chapter 33 - Peripheral Nerve Injury of the Upper Extremity|date=2015-01-01|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128026533000828|work=Nerves and Nerve Injuries|pages=505–524|editor-last=Tubbs|editor-first=R. Shane|place=San Diego|publisher=Academic Press|language=en|doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-802653-3.00082-8|isbn=978-0-12-802653-3|access-date=2020-10-25|editor2-last=Rizk|editor2-first=Elias|editor3-last=Shoja|editor3-first=Mohammadali M.|editor4-last=Loukas|editor4-first=Marios|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

'''Above the elbow'''
* Common mechanism of injury: a [[supracondylar humerus fracture]]
* Motor deficit:
** Loss of [[pronation]] of forearm, weakness in flexion of the hand at the wrist, loss of flexion of radial half of digits and thumb, loss of abduction and opposition of thumb.
** Presence of an [[ape hand deformity]] when the hand is at rest, due to an hyperextension of index finger and thumb, and an adducted thumb.
** Presence of [[Hand of benediction|benediction sign]] when attempting to form a fist, due to loss of flexion of radial half of digits.
* Sensory deficit: loss of sensation in lateral {{frac|3|1|2}} digits including their nail beds, and the thenar area.

'''At the elbow'''
* Entrapment at the level of the elbow or the proximal forearm could be due to the [[pronator teres syndrome]].

'''Within the proximal forearm: [[anterior interosseous syndrome]]'''
* Injury to the anterior interosseous branch in the forearm causes the [[anterior interosseous syndrome]]<ref name=":2" />
* Common mechanisms: tight cast, [[radius (bone)|forearm bone]] fracture
* Motor deficit: loss of [[pronation]] of forearm, loss of flexion of radial half of digits and thumb
* Sensory deficit: none

'''At the wrist'''
* Common mechanism: wrist laceration
* Motor deficit:
** Weakness in flexion of radial half of digits and thumb, loss of abduction and opposition of thumb
** Presence of an [[ape hand deformity]] when the hand is at rest may be likely, due to an hyperextension of index finger and thumb, and an adducted thumb. Nevertheless, an ape hand deformity is not a requirement for a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis.
** Presence of a benediction sign when attempting to form a fist, due to weakness in flexion of radial half of digits.
* Sensory deficit: loss of sensation in lateral {{frac|3|1|2}} digits including their nail beds, and the thenar area.

'''Within the wrist: carpal tunnel syndrome'''
* Common mechanism: [[carpal tunnel syndrome]], an injury by [[Nerve compression syndrome|nerve compression]] in the carpal tunnel, without transection of the median nerve, due to overuse by activities such as [[typing|keyboard typing]] and [[cooking]]
* Motor deficit:
** Weakness in flexion of radial half of digits and thumb, weakness in abduction and opposition of thumb
** Presence of an ape hand deformity or when attempting to form a fist, the benediction sign, due to compression of the median nerve, as opposed to complete median nerve palsy
* Sensory deficit: numbness and tingling in lateral {{frac|3|1|2}} digits including their nail beds, but excluding the thenar eminence which is supplied by the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve<ref>Figure 6.86, Moore Clinically Orientated Anatomy 7th Edition</ref> Unlike in wrist laceration, sensation still occurs in the area of the central palm. Sensation is not lost because the palmar cutaneous branch runs above the [[flexor retinaculum of the hand|flexor retinaculum]], and is not affected in compression in [[carpal tunnel syndrome]].

=== Assessment ===

When symptoms of tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness occur, various assessments are conducted, including patient-reported subjective surveys, provocative tests meant to elicit or exacerbate symptoms, sensory and motor function tests, and diagnostic equipment.
* Common patient-reported measures of symptoms and function are the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and its short version, the CTS-6,<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1186/s12891-020-03626-2 |doi-access=free |title=Structural validity of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and its short version, the 6-Item CTS symptoms scale: A Rasch analysis one year after surgery |date=2020 |last1=Multanen |first1=Juhani |last2=Ylinen |first2=Jari |last3=Karjalainen |first3=Teemu |last4=Ikonen |first4=Joona |last5=Häkkinen |first5=Arja |last6=Repo |first6=Jussi P. |journal=BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |volume=21 |issue=1 |page=609 |pmid=32919457 |pmc=7488577 }}</ref> the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH),<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hudak |first1=Pamela L. |last2=Amadio |first2=Peter C. |last3=Bombardier |first3=Claire |last4=Beaton |first4=Dorcas |last5=Cole |first5=Donald |last6=Davis |first6=Aileen |last7=Hawker |first7=Gillian |author-link7=Gillian Hawker |last8=Katz |first8=Jeffrey N. |last9=Makela |first9=Matti |last10=Marx |first10=Robert G. |last11=Punnett |first11=Laura |last12=Wright |first12=James |date=1996 |title=Development of an upper extremity outcome measure: The DASH (Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and head) |journal=American Journal of Industrial Medicine |volume=29 |issue=6 |pages=602–608 |doi=10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199606)29:6<602::aid-ajim4>3.0.co;2-l |pmid=8773720}}</ref> and the Upper Limb Functional Index.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1197/j.jht.2006.04.001 |title=The Upper Limb Functional Index: Development and Determination of Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness |date=2006 |last1=Gabel |first1=C. Philip |last2=Michener |first2=Lori A. |last3=Burkett |first3=Brendan |last4=Neller |first4=Anne |journal=Journal of Hand Therapy |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=328–349 |pmid=16861132 }}</ref>
* Provocative testing to examine free movement and gliding for the entire length of the median nerve is completed using an upper limb tension test. [[Phalen maneuver|Phalen's]], [[Tinel's sign|Tinel's]], and Durkan's tests are used to assess compression at the wrist in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome.
* Sensory testing is conducted across the dermatomes associated with sensory functioning of the median nerve using monofilaments or two-point discrimination instruments. Motor function tests focus on examining the use of the thenar muscles within the hand most affected by median nerve injury. Common functional tests include the evaluation of grip and pinch strength using dynamometry and gross and fine motor coordination ability using the Purdue pegboard, 9-hole peg test, and other assessment tools.
* Electrodiagnostic testing using surface or needle electromyography is a widely used diagnostic assessment that can identify a specific location of nerve compression/injury or rule out other central nervous system conditions that could mimic a median nerve injury. Sonographic imaging can evaluate the median nerve's size, shape, and movement for comparison to normative values<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1177/87564793231176009 |title=Sonographic Reference Values for Median Nerve Cross-sectional Area: A Meta-analysis of Data from Healthy Individuals |date=2023 |last1=Roll |first1=Shawn C. |last2=Takata |first2=Sandy C. |last3=Yao |first3=Buwen |last4=Kysh |first4=Lynn |last5=Mack |first5=Wendy J. |journal=Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography |s2cid=259789268 |pmc=10468154 }}</ref> and identify locations or causes of nerve compression to support intervention selection, particularly within the carpal tunnel.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1002/mus.23389 |title=Evidence-based guideline: Neuromuscular ultrasound for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome |date=2012 |last1=Cartwright |first1=Michael S. |last2=Hobson-Webb |first2=Lisa D. |last3=Boon |first3=Andrea J. |last4=Alter |first4=Katharine E. |last5=Hunt |first5=Christopher H. |last6=Flores |first6=Victor H. |last7=Werner |first7=Robert A. |last8=Shook |first8=Steven J. |last9=Thomas |first9=T. Darrell |last10=Primack |first10=Scott J. |last11=Walker |first11=Francis O. |author12=American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine |journal=Muscle & Nerve |volume=46 |issue=2 |pages=287–293 |pmid=22806381 |hdl=2027.42/92446 |s2cid=6966288 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

Combinations of these assessments are useful for ruling out other conditions, identifying the location of nerve injury or compression, uncovering underlying causes of symptoms (such as tendonitis), determining the severity of the nerve injury, and developing individualized treatment plans based on patient characteristics.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1097/PRS.0000000000009675 |title=A Quality Collaborative Study of the Concordance of Electrodiagnostic Scores and Clinical Severity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |date=2022 |last1=Billig |first1=Jessica I. |last2=Kotsis |first2=Sandra V. |last3=Ouyang |first3=Zhongzhe |last4=Wang |first4=Lu |last5=Chung |first5=Kevin C. |journal=Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery |volume=150 |issue=6 |pages=1287–1296 |pmid=36112828 |s2cid=252334741 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Such combinations of median nerve evaluations have been most widely validated in the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1002/mus.24478 |title=Carpal tunnel syndrome severity staging using sonographic and clinical measures |date=2015 |last1=Roll |first1=Shawn C. |last2=Volz |first2=Kevin R. |last3=Fahy |first3=Christine M. |last4=Evans |first4=Kevin D. |journal=Muscle & Nerve |volume=51 |issue=6 |pages=838–845 |pmid=25287477 |pmc=4388767 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1177/1558944719833709 |title=A Comparison of 6 Diagnostic Tests for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Latent Class Analysis |date=2020 |last1=Wang |first1=William L. |last2=Hanson |first2=Timothy |last3=Fowler |first3=John R. |journal=Hand |volume=15 |issue=6 |pages=776–779 |pmid=30854901 |pmc=7850262 }}</ref>

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 File:Sobo 1909 554.png|[[Arm|Brachium]] seen anterolaterally, showing nerves and vasculature
 File:Sobo 1909 705-706.png|[[Antebrachium]] seen anteriorly, showing nerves and vasculature
 File:Braus 1921 165.png|Cross-section through the middle of upper arm (left), and middle of the forearm (right)
 File:Gray421.png|Transverse section across distal ends of radius and ulna
 File:Carpal-Tunnel.svg|Transverse section across the wrist and digits
 File:Gray809.png|The right brachial plexus (infraclavicular portion) in the axillary fossa, viewed from below and in front
 File:Gray812and814.svg|Diagram of segmental distribution of the cutaneous nerves of the right upper extremity.
 File:Gray815.png|Superficial palmar nerves
 File:Gray817.png|Deep palmar nerves
 File:Gray1235 (English).svg|Front of right upper extremity, showing surface markings for bones, arteries, and nerves
 File:Slide7FFFF.JPG|Median nerve
 File:Slide4MMMMM.JPG|Median nerve
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Anatomy-terms}}

* [[Carpal tunnel]]
* [[Cubital fossa]]
* [[Anterior interosseous nerve]]
* [[Common palmar digital nerves of median nerve|Common palmar digital nerves]]
* [[Proper palmar digital nerves of median nerve|Proper palmar digital nerves]]
* [[Recurrent branch of the median nerve]]
* [[Brachial plexus]]
* [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
* [[Median nerve palsy]]
* [[Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome]]
* [[Pronator teres syndrome]]
* [[Nerve compression syndrome]]

==References==
{{Gray's}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{DukeOrtho|Median_nerve}}
* {{MeshName|Median+Nerve}}
* {{KansasHandKinesiology|nerves/median.htm}}
* {{UMichAtlas|hand_plexus}} - "Axilla, dissection, anterior view"

{{Brachial plexus}}
{{Portal bar|Anatomy}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Nerves of the upper limb]]