C6 Nerve Root Innervation and Clinical Significance

Anatomical Pathway

• The C6 nerve root forms part of the brachial plexus, which is structured by the C6 ventral ramus, along with C5-T1, and the nerve roots pass between the anterior and middle scalene muscles with the subclavian artery to form the trunks, as described by the American College of Radiology 1, 2
• The trunks then split into anterior and posterior divisions, form cords, and travel with the subclavian artery and vein, according to the American College of Radiology 1, 2
• Terminal branches continue into the arm and forearm to innervate the respective muscles, as outlined by the American College of Radiology 1, 2

Clinical Assessment and Pitfalls

• Confusing radiculopathy with plexopathy can be avoided by recognizing that pain radiating in a dermatomal distribution with or without accompanying sensory or motor loss reflects radiculopathy, while symptoms in multiple peripheral nerve distributions suggest plexopathy, as noted by the American College of Radiology 1, 2