What are brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries?

Also known as: peripheral neuropathy, peripheral nerve injuries

The peripheral nervous system includes a network of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin and internal organs. Put simply, the peripheral nervous system is the electrical wiring of our bodies. It is composed of sensory nerves that receive input from our surroundings, e.g., touch, temperature, pressure, pain, etc., and motor nerves that send information to our muscles.

What is the brachial plexus?

The brachial plexus is a component of the peripheral nervous system. It is a network of nerves located in the neck that controls function of the arm (shoulder to fingertip) and carries sensory information—from the fingertips to the shoulder—back to the brain.

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Reviewed by: Aaron Berger, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM