Dorsal Branch of the Ulnar Nerve

Written by Claudia Attwood

Last updated October 8, 2024 • 7 Revisions

The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve is a sensory nerve of the hand.

It supplies sensation to the dorsal surface of the medial one and a half fingers and the associated dorsal hand area.

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Course

The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve arises approximately 5cm proximal to the wrist joint.

It travels posteriorly, passing underneath the flexor carpi ulnaris. It then pierces the deep fascia to enter the dorsal and ulnar aspect of the hand.

In the hand, the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve terminates by dividing into sensory branches, which supply the dorsoulnar hand, little finger and medial half of the ring finger.

Fig 1
Dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve

Sensory Supply

The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve supplies sensation to:

  • Dorsal surface of the little finger
  • Dorsal surface of the medial half of the ring finger
  • Ulnar aspect of the dorsum of the hand

Fig 2
Cutaneous innervation of the ulnar nerve