Upper subscapular nerve


The upper subscapular nerve is the first branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It innervates the superior portion of the subscapularis. The inferior portion of the subscapularis is innervated by the lower subscapular nerve. The upper subscapular nerve contains axons from the ventral rami of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves.
The axons which form the upper subscapular nerve travel from the ventral rami of C5-C6, join at the upper trunk and move through its posterior division to form the posterior cord along with the other two posterior divisions of the middle and lower trunks. The axons then branch from the posterior cord and form the upper subscapular nerve.

Clinical significance

A lesion to the upper subscapular nerve can cause a reduced ability to medially rotate at the shoulder joint, however this function is supplemented by other muscles.

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