Lateral Cutaneous Branch of First Intercostal Nerve (Right)
Ramus cutaneus lateralis nervi intercostalis primi
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: First intercostal nerve.
Course: Pierces the chest wall anterior to serratus anterior muscle.
Branches: Anterior and posterior branches.
Supply: Skin of overlying first intercostal space and axilla.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The lateral cutaneous branch of the first intercostal nerve arises roughly along the mid-axillary line.
Course
The lateral cutaneous branch pierces the thoracic wall, through the internal and external intercostal muscles.
Branches
The lateral cutaneous branch further subdivides into anterior and posterior branches that extend anteriorly and posteriorly along the thoracic wall, respectively. The lateral cutaneous branch is sometimes not present.
Supplied Structures & Function
When present, the lateral cutaneous branch supplies the skin of the axilla, as well as the skin overlying the first intercostal space. See our dermatome map for cutaneous innervation. It may also communicate with the intercostobrachial nerve or the medial brachial cutaneous nerve.
