Division of long thoracic nerve results in
**Core Concept**
The long thoracic nerve is a vital motor nerve that innervates the serratus anterior muscle, which plays a crucial role in shoulder joint stability and elevation. The long thoracic nerve originates from the roots of the brachial plexus and runs down the chest wall to innervate the serratus anterior muscle.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Division of the long thoracic nerve results in serratus anterior muscle paralysis, leading to winged scapula deformity. This occurs because the serratus anterior muscle is responsible for rotating the scapula and stabilizing the shoulder joint. Without innervation, the muscle atrophies, and the scapula protrudes outward, leading to the characteristic winged appearance. This condition is often seen in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome or after surgical trauma to the nerve.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because division of the long thoracic nerve does not result in paralysis of the trapezius muscle, which is innervated by the spinal accessory nerve. The trapezius muscle helps to elevate and rotate the scapula but is not affected by long thoracic nerve injury.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because division of the long thoracic nerve does not result in paralysis of the rhomboid muscles, which are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve. The rhomboid muscles help to stabilize the scapula and are not affected by long thoracic nerve injury.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because division of the long thoracic nerve does not result in paralysis of the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve. The latissimus dorsi muscle helps to extend and adduct the shoulder joint but is not affected by long thoracic nerve injury.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Winged scapula deformity is a classic sign of long thoracic nerve injury. It is essential to recognize this condition and refer patients to a specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.
**Correct Answer: D. Serratus anterior muscle paralysis.