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median nerve
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Illustration of the human forearm from an anterior view, showing the superficial layer of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Major structures including the biceps brachii, brachialis, pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, and palmaris longus muscles are labeled, along with nerves and arteries such as the median nerve and radial artery. Detailed anatomical illustration of the human upper arm from the front, showing the superficial muscles, major nerves, and tendons. Key structures like the deltoid, biceps brachii, brachialis, and associated nerves are labeled. carpal tunnel syndrome
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median nerve

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Illustration of the human forearm from an anterior view, showing the superficial layer of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Major structures including the biceps brachii, brachialis, pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, and palmaris longus muscles are labeled, along with nerves and arteries such as the median nerve and radial artery.
Muscles of the human forearm The forearm contains flexor and extensor muscles, which help control fine movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers.

The median nerve is a nerve that originates from the brachial plexus and travels down the middle of the front of the arm. It is a crucial part of the peripheral nervous system, carrying sensory and motor impulses between the central nervous system and the body.12

The median nerve plays a significant role in the function of the hand and forearm. It innervates muscles responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers, as well as muscles in the thumb and hand that control grip and fine motor movements.2

A common condition affecting the median nerve is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. CTS can be caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, leading to swelling of the tendons within the carpal tunnel, which then puts pressure on the median nerve.34

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. median nerve
  2. human nervous system - Brachial plexus
  3. carpal tunnel syndrome
  4. carpal tunnel syndrome

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