Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Fifth Intercostal Nerve (Right)
Ramus cutaneus lateralis nervi intercostalis quinti
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Fifth intercostal nerve.
Course: Pierces the chest wall anterior to serratus anterior muscle.
Branches: Anterior and posterior branches.
Supply: Skin of overlying fifth intercostal space.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The lateral cutaneous branch of anterior ramus of fifth thoracic nerve (or fifth intercostal nerve) arises from the anterior ramus of the fifth thoracic nerve roughly along the mid-axillary line.
Course
The lateral cutaneous branch may travel for a short distance with its parent nerve (the anterior ramus) within the intercostal space. It then pierces the thoracic wall through the internal and external intercostal muscles, emerging just anterior to the serratus anterior muscle.
Branches
The lateral cutaneous branch further subdivides into anterior and posterior branches. The anterior branches extend towards the pectoralis major, while the posterior branches extend backwards towards the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Supplied Structures & Function
The lateral cutaneous branch of the fifth intercostal nerve (or anterior ramus of fifth thoracic nerve) conveys sensory innervation from the skin overlying the fifth intercostal space. See our dermatome map for cutaneous innervation.
