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Glite Dictionary
plexus brachialis

plexus brachialis

9.5
A network of nerves in the neck that controls feeling and movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand
  • noun
  • /ˈplɛksəs bræˈkeɪlɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plexo braquial
  • Injury to the plexus brachialis can result in weakness or paralysis of the arm.

Examples

  • Surgeons must be careful not to damage the plexus brachialis during operations near the shoulder.

  • The anatomy class studied the plexus brachialis and its branches in great detail.

  • The plexus brachialis is essential for arm movement.

  • Doctors often examine the plexus brachialis during physical assessments.

  • Surgeons must be careful not to damage the plexus brachialis during operations near the shoulder.

  • Injury to the plexus brachialis can result in weakness or paralysis of the arm.

  • Doctors often examine the plexus brachialis during physical assessments.

Synonyms

brachial plexus
vsplexus brachialis
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A network of nerves in the neck and shoulder that sends signals to the arm

is formed from lower neck and first thoracic nerves and also supplies the hand

Surface Forms

plexus brachialis singular
plexus brachiales plural

Morphology

plexus + brachialis

The term is compositionally built from 'plexus' (a network of nerves/vessels) plus an adjectival element related to 'brachial' (the arm), so the meaning ‘network of arm nerves’ is derivable from the parts. However, the Latinized, technical form 'brachialis' and the specialized medical register make it less immediately transparent to an average B1 learner, so full predictability is limited.

Etymology

Plexus brachialis comes from Latin words plexus ('braid') and brachialis ('arm'). The name gives the picture of many nerves woven together like a braid near the shoulder, so it means 'a network of nerves that sends signals to the shoulder, arm, and hand'.