The suprascapular nerve is a mixed nerve that arises from the brachial plexus.
Course
The suprascapular nerve runs laterally from its origin in the brachial plexus, beneath the trapezius muscle and omohyoid muscle. It enters the supraspinous fossa through the scapular notch of the scapula, passing beneath the superior transverse scapular ligament. The suprascapular nerve then courses beneath the supraspinatus muscle, to which it gives off several branches, toward the lateral border of the spine of the scapula, where it reaches the infraspinous fossa through the spinoglenoid notch and provides motor innervation to the muscle located there. Along its course, the nerve gives off several fine branches that run to the shoulder joint.
Function
The suprascapular nerve provides motor innervation to the supraspinatus muscle and infraspinatus muscle. Some sensory fibers supply the dorsal and superior portions of the joint capsule of the shoulder joint.
Clinical relevance
Because of its anatomical course through the suprascapular notch, the nerve may develop an entrapment syndrome known as suprascapular notch syndrome.
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