Medial Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm

Written by Tarisai Mandishona

Last updated November 11, 2023 • 6 Revisions

The medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm is a sensory branch of the medial cord of the brachial plexus.

It supplies sensory innervation to the skin overlying the medial forearm.

Pro Feature - 3D Model

Course

The medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm is a sensory branch of the medial cord of the brachial plexus. This is derived from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C8-T1.

After arising from the branchial plexus, the nerve travels down the medial aspect of the upper arm – accompanied by the ulnar nerve. It then pierces the deep fascia with the basilic vein to enter the subcutaneous plane.

It then divides into anterior and posterior branches:

  • Anterior branch: crosses anteriorly over the basilic vein. It the descends down the anteromedial aspect of the forearm, supplying cutaneous branches to the skin along its course.
  • Posterior branch – follows the medial border of the basilic vein along the posteromedial aspect of the forearm, supplying cutaneous branches to the skin along its course.

Fig 1
The course of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm

Pro Feature - Dissection Images

Sensory Function

The medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the medial forearm.

Fig 2
Cutaneous innervation of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm