Review Question - QID 3489

The radial nerve splits at the level of the elbow joint into deep and superficial branches. The deep branch passes between the two heads of the supinator and continues to the wrist as the posterior interosseous nerve. The superficial branch of the radial nerve pierces the dorsal fascia and accompanies the radial artery down the forearm along the dorsal side of the brachioradialis, as shown in Illustration B. Therefore, a laceration that severs the brachioradialis would most likely injure the superficial radial nerve. It is a purely sensory nerve that supplies sensation to the dorsal aspects of the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring fingers, as shown in Illustration A.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: The PIN passes between the two heads of the supinator and then travels on the dorsal aspect of the interosseous membrane (see Illustration C).
Answer 2: The ulnar nerve splits the two heads of the FCU and then travels on the ulnar side of the forearm under the FCU.
Answer 4: The anterior interosseous nerve is a branch of the median nerve that travels along the volar interosseous membrane between the FPL and FDP.
Answer 5: The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve is a subcutaneous sensory nerve that travels on the volar ulnar aspect of the forearm over the FDS.