Nerve
Long thoracic nerve
Nerve to serratus anterior
High-yield
C5, C6, C7 ('raise your arms to heaven'); injury (axillary surgery) → winged scapula.
Overview
A nerve arising directly from the roots that descends on the surface of serratus anterior to supply it.
Learning this group? Read How to learn the brachial plexus.
Reference facts
- Roots
- C5, C6, C7 (roots of the brachial plexus)
- Course
- Descends on the external surface of serratus anterior along the mid-axillary line
- Motor
- Serratus anterior
- Sensory
- No cutaneous sensory territory - this nerve is purely motor.
Clinical correlation
Long thoracic nerve palsy → medial (classic) winging of the scapula.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the long thoracic nerve?
The long thoracic nerve arises from C5, C6, C7 (roots of the brachial plexus).
What muscles does the long thoracic nerve supply?
The long thoracic nerve supplies the serratus anterior.
What is the sensory distribution of the long thoracic nerve?
No cutaneous sensory territory - this nerve is purely motor.
What is the course of the long thoracic nerve?
Descends on the external surface of serratus anterior along the mid-axillary line.