What does the Intercostobrachial nerve represent?
The intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) is a nerve classically originating from the lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve [1]. The ICBN functions to innervate portions of the axilla, tail of the breast, lateral chest wall and medial side of the arm [2-3].
Is the Intercostobrachial nerve motor or sensory?
The intercostobrachial nerve is a sensory nerve that runs through the axilla and innervates the skin of the axilla and upper medial aspect of the arm.
What is typical intercostal nerve?
The typical intercostal nerve runs laterally behind the sympathetic trunk and enters the intercostal space between the parietal pleura and the intercostal membrane as described above. While in the costal groove, it runs along the intercostal vessels and travels in front of the internal thoracic artery.
What causes Intercostobrachial nerve pain?
Trauma to the ribs such as rib fractures can cause intercostobrachial neuralgia. People who have had thoracotomy surgery also develop it. This is known as postthoracotomy pain.
What are the contents of the axilla?
The main contents of the axilla are the axillary vein and artery, the axillary lymph nodes, with a portion of the brachial plexus and its branches. Brachial plexus – a complex network of nerves formed by the lower cervical and upper thoracic ventral nerve roots, which begins in the neck and extends into the axilla.
What is the anatomic relationship between the intercostal nerves and vessels and the ribs?
Anatomy and Function Each intercostal nerve enters the corresponding intercostal space between the posterior intercostal membrane and the parietal pleura. The nerve then travels forward with the intercostal vessels in the costal groove of the corresponding rib, between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles.
How do you do the Intercostobrachial nerve block?
Intercostobrachial nerve block. The intercostobrachial nerve is anesthetized by subcutaneous injection of 3–5 mL local anesthetic along the axillary crease. Because of its superficial placement, complications of the intercostobrachial nerve block are virtually nonexistent.
What happens if Thoracodorsal nerve is damaged?
An intact thoracodorsal nerve may also cause atrophy of the muscle, which can lead to shoulder and arm weakness that hampers numerous common movements, including standing up from a chair.
What does the intercostal nerve control?
Unlike the nerves from the autonomic nervous system that innervate the visceral pleura of the thoracic cavity, the intercostal nerves arise from the somatic nervous system. This enables them to control the contraction of muscles, as well as provide specific sensory information regarding the skin and parietal pleura.
What is the difference between typical and atypical intercostal nerve?
Intercostal nerves can be divided into atypical and typical groups based on their pattern of innervation. The typical nerves (T3–6) supply only the thoracic wall. The atypical nerves are T-1, T-2, and T7–11.
What is area under armpit called?
24864. Anatomical terminology. The axilla (also, armpit, underarm or oxter) is the area on the human body directly under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder.
What are the symptoms of intercostobrachial nerve syndrome?
Intercostobrachial Nerve Syndrome and Treatment. Symptoms on Entrapment and Nerve Compression Patients complain of pain on the back and inside of the arm that can radiate toward the front of the chest. The pain begins as a mild ache that increases in intensity. Eventually the pain can become a dull, strong throbbing ache, or burning.
What does the lateral cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerve supply?
the lateral cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve may give rise to a second intercostobrachial nerve. the intercostobrachial nerve may join the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm to supply the skin of the medial arm.
What happens if the third intercostal nerve is injured during surgery?
The nerve may be injured during axillary surgery such as nodal clearance for breast cancer 1. the lateral cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve may give rise to a second intercostobrachial nerve. the intercostobrachial nerve may join the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm to supply the skin of the medial arm.
What happens to the intercostobrachial nerve after a mastectomy?
During a mastectomy, as surgeons explore the axilla and remove lymph nodes, they occasionally damage or sever the cutaneous branch of the first thoracic nerve root, the intercostobrachial nerve. Several weeks after the surgery, some women develop searing axillary pain that extends to the inner aspect of the upper arm, well beyond the incision.