Which nerve provides sensation over the lateral shoulder?

Which nerve provides sensation over the lateral shoulder?

• A. Musculocutaneous nerve
• B. Axillary nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Median nerve

Answer: (B)

Sensation over the lateral shoulder comes from the axillary nerve, via its superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm. This branch travels to the skin over the deltoid region—the “regimental badge” area—providing cutaneous innervation there while the axillary nerve also motor-innervates the deltoid and teres minor. The other nerves assume different skin territories: the musculocutaneous supplies the lateral forearm sensation, the radial nerve covers the posterior arm/forearm and part of the hand, and the median nerve supplies the lateral palm and digits. So the lateral shoulder’s sensory input specifically points to the axillary nerve.

Sensation over the lateral shoulder comes from the axillary nerve, via its superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm. This branch travels to the skin over the deltoid region—the “regimental badge” area—providing cutaneous innervation there while the axillary nerve also motor-innervates the deltoid and teres minor. The other nerves assume different skin territories: the musculocutaneous supplies the lateral forearm sensation, the radial nerve covers the posterior arm/forearm and part of the hand, and the median nerve supplies the lateral palm and digits. So the lateral shoulder’s sensory input specifically points to the axillary nerve.