Following surgical removal of a firm nodular cancer swelling in the right breast and exploration of the right axilla, on examination the patient was found to have a winged right scapula. Most likely this could have occurred due to injury to the :
Correct Answer: Long thoracic nerve
Description: Ans. is 'c' i.e. Long Thoracic nerve Winging of the scapula ie. excessive prominence of the medial border of the scapula (Normally the pull of serratus anterior muscle keeps the medial border against the thoracic wall) is seen in injury to the long thoracic nerve. Long thoracic nerve supplies the serratus anterior muscle. - Actions of the serratus anterior muscle It pulls the scapula forwards around the chest wall to protect the upper limb (in pushing and punching action) It rotates the scapula so that the glenoid cavity is turned upwards, this allows abduction of the arm above 90 degree. In paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle when these movements (like pushing/punching or raising arm above 90 degree) are attempted, winging of scapula occurs. Also remember Long thoracic nerve is known as Nerve of Bell * Serratus anterior muscle arises by the eight digital ions from the upper 8 ribs *
Category:
Anatomy
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now