The Suprascapular Nerve as Re-Interpreted by Its Communication with the Phrenic Nerve

A particular nerve bundle which may be called phrenicosuprascapular communication is, although only rarely, met with in various forms in man. By teasing, fibres of this communication are revealed to belong to the most anterior components of the brachial plexus, being closely associated with anterior nerves such as the phrenic, accessory phrenic, subclavius and even pectoralis. It is, therefore, obvious that the nervus suprascapularis conveys anterior fibres. It may be interpreted that the anteriormost nerve fibres may be separated from the main cord(s) and form an irregular network or plexus for themselves. It should be stressed that the n. suprascapularis consists of all the anterior components of the brachial plexus and that this is an anterior nerve.