Suprascapular Nerve
| Suprascapular Nerve | |
|---|---|
| Nerve Type | Mixed nerve |
| Origin | C5 and C6 |
| Sensory innervation | Posterior shoulder capsule, ACJ, CCL, subacromial bursa |
| Motor innervation | Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus |
The suprascapular nerve (SSN) is a mixed nerve that originates primarily from the C5 and C6 nerve roots, with occasional contributions from C4. It arises from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus.
Course: The SSN travels laterally across the posterior triangle of the neck, passing beneath the trapezius and omohyoid muscles. It then enters the supraspinous fossa through the suprascapular notch, passing under the superior transverse scapular ligament. The nerve continues around the lateral border of the scapular spine to reach the infraspinous fossa.
Branches: The SSN gives off motor branches to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. It also has sensory branches that innervate the posterior shoulder capsule, acromioclavicular joint, subacromial bursa, and coracoclavicular ligament.
Sensory Innervation: The SSN provides sensory innervation to the posterior shoulder capsule, acromioclavicular joint, subacromial bursa, and coracoclavicular ligament.
Motor Innervation: The SSN innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, which are critical for shoulder abduction and external rotation, respectively.
