Wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hand can be expected to follow injury of the –
**Core Concept**
The intrinsic muscles of the hand are a group of muscles that are responsible for fine motor movements and are innervated by the ulnar and median nerves. Injury to the nerves supplying these muscles can lead to wasting and weakness of the hand.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating the interosseous and lumbrical muscles of the hand, which are intrinsic muscles. Injury to the ulnar nerve can lead to wasting of these muscles, resulting in a characteristic claw hand deformity. The median nerve, on the other hand, innervates the thenar muscles, which are also intrinsic muscles of the hand. Injury to the median nerve can lead to wasting of the thenar muscles, resulting in a characteristic "ape hand" deformity.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The radial nerve is responsible for innervating the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers, which are not intrinsic muscles of the hand.
**Option B:** The musculocutaneous nerve is responsible for innervating the biceps and brachialis muscles, which are not intrinsic muscles of the hand.
**Option C:** The axillary nerve is responsible for innervating the deltoid and teres minor muscles, which are not intrinsic muscles of the hand.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The ulnar nerve is particularly susceptible to injury at the elbow, where it can be compressed against the medial epicondyle. This is known as "cubital tunnel syndrome" and can lead to wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
**Correct Answer: C. The axillary nerve is not responsible for innervating the intrinsic muscles of the hand.**