Brachial plexus avulsion typically causes loss of motor function and sensory loss in which limb?

Brachial plexus avulsion typically causes loss of motor function and sensory loss in which limb?

• A. Hind limb
• B. Forelimb
• C. Tail
• D. Head

Answer: (B)

The brachial plexus supplies the forelimb with both motor and sensory nerves. When this network is avulsed, the nerve root connections to the spinal cord are torn, disrupting signals needed to move the forelimb and to feel in that limb. That’s why motor function and sensation fail specifically in the forelimb. The hind limb is governed by the lumbosacral plexus, the tail by caudal nerves, and the head by cervical and cranial nerves—not the brachial plexus—so they are not the limb affected by brachial plexus injury.

The brachial plexus supplies the forelimb with both motor and sensory nerves. When this network is avulsed, the nerve root connections to the spinal cord are torn, disrupting signals needed to move the forelimb and to feel in that limb. That’s why motor function and sensation fail specifically in the forelimb. The hind limb is governed by the lumbosacral plexus, the tail by caudal nerves, and the head by cervical and cranial nerves—not the brachial plexus—so they are not the limb affected by brachial plexus injury.