Median Nerve (Distal Dorsal Sensory Branches) Exam
- When examining sensation of the dorsal distal aspects of the thumb, index finger, long finger, and radial part of the dorsal ring finger, remember this sensation is supplied by the dorsal branches of the digital nerves not the dorsal radial sensory nerve.
- These dorsal branches of the digital nerves in the thumb, index finger, long finger, and radial part of the dorsal ring finger all originate from the median nerve.
Diagrams & Photos
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Sensation of the dorsal distal aspects of the thumb, index finger, long finger, and radial part of the dorsal ring finger (red areas 1) is supplied by the median nerve via the dorsal branches of the digital nerves.
Key Points
- These small areas should be examined by checking light touch. Two point discrimination does not apply in these dorsal locations.