What is the superficial radial nerve and what does it innervate?

The superficial radial nerve is the terminal cutaneous branch of the radial nerve. It supplies the lateral 2/3 of the dorsum of the hand and the dorsal surfaces of the lateral 3½ digits, excluding their distal phalanges.

What is the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve responsible for?

This branch arises from the ulnar nerve and provides sensory innervation to the skin of the medial 1½ digits on the dorsum of the hand, excluding the distal phalanges.

Which nerves innervate the dorsum of the hand?

The dorsum of the hand is innervated by two main nerves: the radial nerve covers the lateral 2/3 of the dorsum and lateral 3½ digits (except distal phalanges), while the ulnar nerve covers the medial 1/3 of the dorsum and medial 1½ digits (except distal phalanges).

How does the superficial radial nerve reach the dorsum of the hand?

It appears about 7 cm above the wrist, deep to the brachioradialis tendon, then pierces the deep fascia at the wrist to enter the dorsum of the hand.

What is the anatomical relationship of the superficial radial nerve to the anatomical snuffbox?

The superficial radial nerve crosses the roof of the anatomical snuffbox as it travels on the dorsum of the hand.

What is the sensory innervation pattern on the palmar aspect of the hand?

On the palmar aspect, the ulnar nerve innervates the medial 1/3 of the palm and medial 1½ digits, while the median nerve covers the lateral 2/3 of the palm and lateral 3½ digits, including the dorsal surfaces of their distal phalanges.

Dorsum Hand Nerves – Superficial Radial & Ulnar Branches