Deltoid is supplied by –
**Core Concept**
The deltoid muscle is a major muscle of the upper limb, and its innervation is crucial for its function. The deltoid muscle is supplied by a branch of the brachial plexus, specifically the axillary nerve, which provides motor innervation to the muscle and sensory innervation to the skin overlying the deltoid.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The axillary nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, which is formed by the union of the C5 and C6 roots. The nerve then passes behind the surgical neck of the humerus and enters the deltoid muscle, providing motor innervation to the muscle's three parts: the anterior, medial, and posterior deltoid. The axillary nerve also provides sensory innervation to the skin overlying the deltoid and the area surrounding the shoulder joint.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the suprascapular nerve, which arises from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, primarily innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. While it does provide some innervation to the teres minor, it is not responsible for innervating the deltoid muscle.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the musculocutaneous nerve, which arises from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, primarily innervates the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles. It does not provide innervation to the deltoid muscle.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the radial nerve, which arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, primarily innervates the extensor muscles of the forearm and wrist. While it does provide some innervation to the triceps brachii, it is not responsible for innervating the deltoid muscle.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The axillary nerve is at risk during surgeries such as shoulder disarticulation or axillary dissection, where the nerve can be damaged or transected. This can result in weakness of the deltoid muscle and sensory loss over the skin overlying the deltoid.
**Correct Answer: C. The radial nerve is incorrect - The correct answer is actually not listed among the options provided. However, the axillary nerve is the correct answer.