Median Nerve (Distal Dorsal Sensory Branches) Anatomy

Description:

  • The digital nerve which is a branch of the median or ulnar nerve depending on which finger is being observed. At the middle of the middle phalanx, the digital nerve trifurcates and sends branches dorsally to provide sensation over the dorsal DIP joint area and distal dorsal fingertip.
Diagrams & Photos
  • Branch of the digital nerve coming off the trifurcation of the digital nerve at DIP joint level.
    Branch of the digital nerve coming off the trifurcation of the digital nerve at DIP joint level.
Key Points
  • The dorsal distal aspects of the thumb, index finger, long finger, and radial part of the dorsal ring finger all have sensation is supplied by the median nerve not the dorsal radial sensory nerve.
Anatomy References
Anatomic Abbreviations
Hand Surgery Resource Anatomy Diagnostic Guide (Chapter)