title: Posterior cord
text: # Posterior cord
  
  The posterior cord is a part of the brachial plexus. It consists of contributions from all of the roots of the brachial plexus.
  
  The posterior cord gives rise to the following nerves:
  
  | Name | Roots | Supplies |
  | - | - | - |
  | upper subscapular nerve | C5-C6 | subscapularis muscle of the rotator cuff |
  | lower subscapular nerve | C5-C6 | subscapularis muscle, teres major muscle |
  | thoracodorsal nerve | C6-C8 | latissimus dorsi muscle |
  | axillary nerve | C5-C6 | sensation to the shoulder and motor to the deltoid muscle, the teres minor and the triceps brachii (long head) muscle |
  | radial nerve | C5-C8, T1 | triceps brachii muscle, the brachioradialis muscle, the extensor muscles of the fingers and wrist (extensor carpi radialis muscle), supinator, and the extensor and abductor muscles of the thumb |
  
  ## Additional images
  
  * Brachial plexus
  * Posterior cord
  * Posterior cord
  * Brachial plexus.Deep dissection.
  * Brachial plexus.Deep dissection.Anterolateral view
  