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Free topic practice · 10 original questions

Brachial Plexus MCQs with Answers and Explanations

Work through these brachial plexus MCQs using the usual anatomical pattern. The questions connect spinal levels with trunks, divisions, cords and terminal nerves. Anatomical variations exist; this set tests the standard arrangement commonly introduced in anatomy courses.

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Published 27 October 2026 · PhysioVeda Academics · Answers and references included

What you will practise

  • Recall the usual spinal contributions and order of plexus organisation.
  • Trace the divisions that form each cord.
  • Identify selected terminal nerves and their cord origins.

Choose your answer before opening each explanation. These public examples are available without an account; saved tests and the complete practice library use member access.

Brachial Plexus MCQs: questions and explanations

Question 1

Which spinal nerve contributions usually form the roots of the brachial plexus?

  1. Anterior rami of C5 to T1
  2. Posterior rami of C5 to T1
  3. Anterior rami of T2 to T6
  4. Anterior rami of L1 to L4
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Anterior rami of C5 to T1

The usual plexus receives anterior rami from C5 through T1. Posterior rami supply a different distribution.

Question 2

Which sequence follows the brachial plexus from proximal to distal?

  1. Roots, divisions, trunks, branches, cords
  2. Roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches
  3. Trunks, roots, cords, divisions, branches
  4. Roots, cords, trunks, branches, divisions
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches

Follow roots into trunks, then divisions, cords and terminal branches.

Question 3

Which roots usually unite to form the superior trunk?

  1. C7 and C8
  2. C8 and T1
  3. C5 and C6
  4. T1 and T2
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. C5 and C6

C5 and C6 form the superior trunk. C8 and T1 form the inferior trunk.

Question 4

Which root continues as the middle trunk in the standard arrangement?

  1. C5
  2. C6
  3. C8
  4. C7
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. C7

C7 continues as the middle trunk between the superior and inferior trunks.

Question 5

Each of the three trunks divides anteriorly and posteriorly. How many divisions result?

  1. Six
  2. Three
  3. Five
  4. Nine
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Six

Each trunk creates two divisions. Three trunks therefore produce six divisions.

Question 6

Which combination forms the posterior cord?

  1. Anterior divisions of all three trunks
  2. Posterior divisions of all three trunks
  3. Anterior divisions of the superior and middle trunks
  4. Anterior division of the inferior trunk only
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Posterior divisions of all three trunks

The three posterior divisions converge into the posterior cord.

Question 7

Which combination usually forms the lateral cord?

  1. Posterior divisions of all three trunks
  2. Anterior division of the inferior trunk only
  3. Anterior divisions of the superior and middle trunks
  4. Posterior divisions of the superior and inferior trunks
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Anterior divisions of the superior and middle trunks

The superior and middle trunks contribute their anterior divisions to the lateral cord.

Question 8

The lateral, medial and posterior cords are named by their relationship to which artery?

  1. Brachial artery
  2. Radial artery
  3. Ulnar artery
  4. Axillary artery
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Axillary artery

The cord names describe their positions around the axillary artery in the axilla.

Question 9

Which terminal nerve is formed by contributions from both lateral and medial cords?

  1. Median nerve
  2. Axillary nerve
  3. Ulnar nerve
  4. Radial nerve
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Median nerve

Lateral and medial cord contributions join to form the median nerve.

Question 10

Which pair consists of terminal branches of the posterior cord?

  1. Median and ulnar nerves
  2. Axillary and radial nerves
  3. Musculocutaneous and median nerves
  4. Ulnar and musculocutaneous nerves
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Axillary and radial nerves

The posterior cord gives rise to the axillary and radial nerves.

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References and further reading

  1. NCBI Bookshelf StatPearls: Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Brachial Plexus
  2. NCBI Bookshelf StatPearls: Anatomy, Head and Neck: Brachial Plexus
  3. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: Nerves of the Upper Limb

Questions are original educational practice examples based on the concepts in these references. Send academic feedback or report a question.

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