Anatomical Study of the Intercostobrachial Nerve in Sprague-Dawlay Rats

摘要

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to explore the anatomy of the intercostobrachial nerve in rats. METHODS Dissections of 8 Sprague-dawley rats were performed to examine the intercostobrachial nerve. Fifteen dissections were successful. The position of the nerve, origin, termination, length and diameter were measured and recorded. RESULTS 1) 80% of the nerves originated from the second intercostal space and 20% from the first intercostal space; 2) 60% of the nerves terminated in the latissimus dorsi and 40% in the axillary skin 3) the branches of the nerves only were divided into 2 types, single and double; 4) the length of the nerves ranged from 2.4 to 3.4 cm with an average of 2.97± 0.90 cm; 5) the diameter of the nerves was thicker at their origin compared to their termination. CONCLUSION The intercostobrachial nerve is simple in rats with 60% terminating in the latissimus dorsi.