The musculocutaneous nerve is a peripheral nerve originating from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, crucial for upper limb function. It primarily innervates the anterior compartment of the arm, including the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles, facilitating elbow flexion and forearm supination. Damage to this nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of these muscles, and sensory deficits along the lateral forearm.
In medical ultrasound, the musculocutaneous nerve can be visualized for diagnostic purposes, aiding in the assessment of nerve injuries, entrapment syndromes, or inflammatory conditions. Ultrasound provides a real-time, non-invasive method to evaluate nerve morphology, assess its relationship to surrounding structures, and guide interventions like nerve blocks, optimizing patient care and recovery.