What are the numbers of nerves from the elbow down to the fingers, specifically referring to the (Radial, Median, and Ulnar) nerves?

From the Research

The numbers from the elbow down to the fingers refer to the dermatomes, which are areas of skin innervated by specific spinal nerves. The dermatome distribution is as follows:

• The medial aspect of the arm and forearm follows dermatomes C8 and T1
• The lateral aspect follows C5 and C6
• The thumb is innervated by C6
• The index and middle fingers by C7
• The ring and little fingers by C8 These dermatome patterns are important in clinical practice for diagnosing nerve injuries or compression, as seen in studies on musculoskeletal injuries 1 and fracture healing 2. For example, numbness in the little finger might indicate an ulnar nerve issue (C8), while numbness in the thumb could suggest a median nerve problem (C6) 3. Understanding these patterns helps healthcare providers localize neurological issues based on a patient's symptoms, which is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes, as emphasized in recent studies on patient assessment and multidisciplinary team evaluation 4, 5. The dermatome distribution follows embryological development, where specific spinal nerve segments supply specific areas of skin, creating this predictable pattern from elbow to fingers.