Anat Cell Biol.  2013 Jun;46(2):163-166. 10.5115/acb.2013.46.2.163.

Rare multiple variations in brachial plexus and related structures in the left upper limb of a Dravidian male cadaver

• Ebenezer D
• Rathinam B

• KMID: 2263110
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2013.46.2.163

Abstract

Anatomical variations of the nerves, muscles, and vessels in the upper limb have been described in many anatomical studies; however, the occurrence of 6 variations in an ipsilateral limb is very rare. These variations occur in the following structures: the pectoralis minimus muscle, the communication between the external jugular vein and cephalic vein, axillary arch, the Struthers ligament, the medial, lateral, and posterior cords of the brachial plexus, and the common arterial trunk from the third part of the axillary artery. The relationship of these variations to each other and their probable clinical presentation is discussed.

Keyword

Pectoralis minimus; Axillary arch; Struthers ligament; Bifurcated posterior cord; Median nerve

MeSH Terms

Axillary Artery
Axillary Vein
Brachial Plexus
Cadaver
Extremities
Humans
Jugular Veins
Ligaments
Male
Median Nerve
Muscles
Upper Extremity

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Left pectoral region showing the cephalic vein separating the pectoralis minimus from the pectoralis minor muscle.

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  Fig. 2 Left pectoral region showing the communication of the cephalic vein with the external jugular vein, which was located superficial to the clavicle.

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  Fig. 3 Left axilla showing the axillary arch and common arterial trunk (CAT) from the axillary artery, which bifurcated the posterior cord. LDPC, lower division of the posterior cord; UDPC, upper division of the posterior cord.

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  Fig. 4 Anterior view of the left upper arm showing variations in the medial and lateral cords. AA, axillary artery; BA, brachial artery; BV, basilic vein; LC, lateral cord; LD, lateral division of the lateral cord; LRM, lateral root of the median nerve; MC, medial cord; MCN, musculocutaneous nerve; MD, medial division of the lateral cord; MN, median nerve; MRM, medial root of the median nerve; NCB, nerve to the coracobrachialis; UN, ulnar nerve.

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  Fig. 5 Anterior view of the left arm, showing the median nerve (MN) and the brachial artery (BA) running deep to the Struthers ligament, with muscle fibers arising from it. MCN, musculocutaneous nerve.

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