Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm is a sensory nerve that is a continuation of the musculocutaneous nerve. It supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral forearm. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm arises as a continuation of the musculocutaneous nerve within the roof of the cubital fossa. It passes along the lateral border of the biceps brachii tendon and deep to the cephalic vein. It then divides into anterior and posterior branches: Anterior branch – descends down the anterolateral aspect of the forearm to the wrist, where it is situated anterior to the radial artery. It supplies branches to the skin of the anterolateral forearm. At the base of the thenar eminence, the nerve terminates as several small branches. Dorsal branch – descends down the posterolateral aspect of the forearm to the wrist. It supplies cutaneous innervation to a small area of the posterolateral forearm. Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 2The course of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Prosection of the upper limb. The biceps brachii and coracobrachialis are visible, as well as the major peripheral nerves of the upper limb. Prosection of the upper limb. The biceps brachii and coracobrachialis are visible, as well as the major peripheral nerves of the upper limb. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Sensory Function The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm supplies cutaneous innervation to the skin of the lateral forearm. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2Cutaneous innervation of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. Frequent questions What is the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm? The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm is a sensory nerve that continues from the musculocutaneous nerve, providing sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral forearm. What is the course of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm? This nerve arises from the musculocutaneous nerve within the roof of the cubital fossa, travels along the lateral border of the biceps brachii tendon, and passes deep to the cephalic vein before dividing into anterior and posterior branches. What does the anterior branch of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm supply? The anterior branch descends along the anterolateral aspect of the forearm to the wrist, supplying sensory innervation to the skin in that area and terminating with small branches at the base of the thenar eminence. What is the function of the dorsal branch of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm? The dorsal branch descends along the posterolateral aspect of the forearm, providing cutaneous innervation to a small region of the skin in that area. What is the clinical relevance of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm? Understanding the lateral cutaneous nerve's anatomy is important for diagnosing sensory deficits or injuries in the lateral forearm, as it plays a key role in sensory perception in that region. Rate This Article