Radial nerve

Definition

The radial nerve is a major peripheral nerve of the arm that originates from the brachial plexus and extends down to the hand, responsible for controlling the movement and sensation in the posterior part of the arm and hand. It innervates several muscles in the forearm and hand, enabling wrist and finger extension as well as sensation to part of the hand.

Related terms

Brachial Plexus:

A network of nerves formed by the ventral rami of cervical nerves C5-C8 and thoracic nerve T1, which gives rise to major nerves for the upper limb, including the radial nerve.

Motor Neurons:

Nerve cells that originate in the brain or spinal cord and transmit commands to stimulate muscle contraction.

Sensory Neurons: Nerve cells responsible for converting external stimuli from the environment into internal electrical impulses for sensation