C5 Root of the Brachial Plexus, Anterior View

Description

Emerging from the intervertebral foramen between the C4 and C5 vertebrae, the C5 ventral ramus is traced as it passes laterally in the neck to join the brachial plexus, coursing between the anterior and middle scalene muscles in the interscalene interval. From an anterior perspective, the root lies posterior to the clavicle and superior to the first rib, then continues inferolaterally toward the supraclavicular fossa where it contributes to the superior trunk. Cervical vertebrae, clavicles, upper ribs, and the proximal humeri frame the plexus against the anterior thorax. Key landmarks sit nearby. This anterior orientation matters because it mirrors the corridor used for a supraclavicular or interscalene brachial plexus block, where the needle path relates to the scalene muscles and the plexus roots at the level of C5 to C7. The C5 root is also a common pain generator in C5 radiculopathy from foraminal stenosis or disc herniation, and its fibers feed nerves that are tested daily, for example the suprascapular nerve (shoulder abduction initiation) and contributions to the musculocutaneous nerve (elbow flexion). Seeing the root before it reorganizes into trunks, divisions, and cords helps explain why a proximal lesion produces broad deficits compared with an isolated peripheral nerve injury. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy teaching when introducing brachial plexus formation, and in anesthesia or pain medicine materials covering landmark-based regional techniques at the neck and supraclavicular region. It also fits surgical education on anterior cervical exposure and supraclavicular approaches where root-level anatomy and its relationship to the clavicle and first rib drive safe dissection. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.