The Brachial Plexus
Last updated 3rd March 2026
The brachial plexus is a vital anatomical structure for anaesthetists to know well.
It is the predominent innervation of the upper limbs and a target for multiple regional blocks.
It is the predominent innervation of the upper limbs and a target for multiple regional blocks.
Draw It
Learning to draw the plexus, using a simplified model, is a great way to help encode the key features more strongly in you memory.
This captures the principles of atomic learning, breaking down the more complex larger topic into smaller steps that you can more easily process.
The above video gives you an overview of how to do this.
This captures the principles of atomic learning, breaking down the more complex larger topic into smaller steps that you can more easily process.
The above video gives you an overview of how to do this.
- Draw 3 parallel lines
- Add the 2 extra nerve roots
- Add the divisions
- X on top,
- / below (mnemonic: a strike is higher than a spare in bowling)
- X on top,
- Draw the final divisions: top and bottom join, middle splits
- Label 3 sections:
- Nerve roots (C5-T1)
- Sections (Mnemonic: "Musical tree": Roots, trunks, divisions, chords (sic), branches)
- Nerves (Mnemonic: MARMU)
- Nerve roots (C5-T1)
