"Plexus brachialia" is a medical term used to describe the network of nerves that runs from the spine to the arm. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be spelled as /ˈpleksəs brækiːˈeɪliə/, with emphasis on the first and fourth syllables. The spelling reflects the Latin roots of the term, with "plexus" meaning "braid" or "network" and "brachialia" meaning "arm." Proper spelling of medical terms is crucial for clear communication between healthcare professionals and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.
The term "plexus brachialia" refers to the brachial plexus, which is a complex network of nerves located in the shoulder region. It is a major network of nerves that originate from the spinal cord and supply the upper limbs, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.
The plexus brachialia comprises nerves that arise from the ventral rami (the anterior divisions) of the spinal nerves C5 to T1. These nerves join together to form a network of nerve fibers that collectively create the brachial plexus.
The brachial plexus can be divided into five main branches: the roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and branches. The roots are formed by the union of the individual spinal nerve fibers, while the trunks arise from the combination of these roots. The divisions further divide the trunks, and the cords are formed by the merging of these divisions. Finally, the branches of the brachial plexus are responsible for supplying nerves to specific muscles and areas of the upper limb.
The plexus brachialia is vital for the transmission of nerve impulses that enable voluntary motor control and provide sensory innervation to the upper limb. It plays a crucial role in the functioning of the shoulder joint and the movements of the arm, forearm, and hand. Damage or injury to the brachial plexus can result in symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or even paralysis in the affected limb.
Brachial plexus, formed of the anterior rami (anterior primary divisions) of the fifth cervical to first thoracic nerves; the nerves converge in the posterior triangle of the neck between the scalenus anterior and medius and pass down on the outer side of the subclavian artery behind the clavicle into the axilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "plexus brachialis" is derived from Latin and is a combination of the words "plexus" and "brachialis".
1. "Plexus" comes from the Latin word "plexus", which means "a network" or "a braid". It is the past participle of the verb "plectere", which means "to weave" or "to braid". This word was applied to anatomical structures that resemble a network or tangle of nerves or blood vessels.
2. "Brachialis" is an adjective that means "pertaining to the arm". It comes from the Latin word "brachium", meaning "arm".
Therefore, "plexus brachialis" can be translated to English as the "brachial plexus", referring to a network or tangle of nerves in the arm.