Unit 4: The Extremities

Today's Class

Today we introduce the common features of the extremities. We will discuss muscle actions around joints and review principles from Unit 1 regarding muscle shapes and joint movements. We will discuss tips and tricks for success in this unit and how muscle names can provide important information about a muscle's anatomy and/or function. We will also discuss the brachial plexus, the nerves that innervate the muscles and skin of the upper extremity.

By the end of this class you will be able to:

Explain how muscles work together and/or against each other.
Describe how muscles are named.
Demonstrate the various movements that muscles produce around joints.
Describe the basic overview of the Brachial Plexus.
Draw and explain the anatomy of the brachial plexus.
Identify the muscles innervated by branches off of the roots, trunks, and cords of the brachial plexus.
Identify the muscles and sensory regions innervated by each terminal branch of the brachial plexus.

Anatomy in Action!

Anatomical variation in the brachial plexus in adult cadavers - The Archive of Bone and Joint Surgery

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? - Healthline

Rob Horne Brachial Plexus Injury - BBC

Robotic arm uses neurological signals - Forbes

Prepare for Class

Read the following sections from Chapter 11: Muscles of the Body

Arrangement of Muscles in Fascicle
Muscle Actions and Interaction
Naming the Skeletal Muscles

Read the following sections from Chapter 14: The Peripheral Nervous System

Spinal Nerves
- The Brachial Plexus and Innervation or the Upper Limb
  - Focus: Innervation of the Upper Limb
  - Musculocutaneous Nerve
  - Median Nerve
  - Ulnar Nerve
  - Axillary Nerve

Watch this video on the Brachial Plexus:

The Brachial Plexus- Animated Review [HD].mp4

*From Eric Laywell, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine

Complete the homework in Mastering A&P

Introduction to Muscles of the Body
Brachial Plexus

Bring to Class

Bring a print or electronic copy of the following documents:

Brachial Plexus Template - Bring this to class with 5-6 colors to draw the brachial plexus with.
Brachial Plexus Collaborative Questions

Review Class Materials

Lecture Slides: *We will likely start the vasculature of the upper extremity and possibly the pectoral girdle today as well, so please bring the slides from Wednesday's class today as well.
Intro to the Extremities
Brachial Plexus

Brachial Plexus Completed Drawing

List of Terms: Upper Extremities (*This list covers the entire upper extremity)

Optional Readings
	None