Thoracodorsal nerve
Nerve that supplies the latissimus dorsi
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Anatomy
Origin
The thoracodorsal nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It is derived from their ventral rami (in spite of the fact that the latissimus dorsi is found in the back) of cervical nerves C6-C8. It is derived from fibres of the posterior divisions of all three trunks of the brachial plexus.
Course
It passes inferior-ward anterior to the subscapularis muscle and subscapular vessels. It penetrates into the substance of the latissimus dorsi muscle near the lateral border of scapula.
It follows the course of the subscapular artery, along the posterior wall of the axilla to the latissimus dorsi muscle, in which it may be traced as far as the lower border of the muscle.
Distribution
The thoracodorsal nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi muscle on its deep surface.
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Clinical significance
The latissimus dorsi is occasionally used for transplantation, and for augmentation of systole in cardiac failure. In these cases, the nerve supply is preserved, and transplanted with the muscle (for example, with facial reanimation).
Posterior cord lesions can result in the loss of adduction of the shoulder joint, as innervation to latissimus dorsi is lost.