Absence of musculocutaneous nerve in the left axilla

Rajendrakumar D. Virupaxi

Abstract

Variations of the arrangement and distribution of the lateral cord and its branches in the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus are common in one or both axillae. These variations are important to the surgeons, neurologists, anesthetists and anatomists during surgery and dissection in the region of axilla. The present case report describes the absence of musculocutaneous nerve in the infraclavicular part of left brachial plexus, observed during routine dissection of a 40-year-old male Indian cadaver. On the right side usual origin and course of musculocutaneous nerve was seen. The clinical importances of these variations are discussed.