ULNAR NERVE BRANCHES. 411 



remarkable ganglion, which gives off a number of branches for the 

 supply of the joint. 



The Superficial palmar branch, arises from the median nerve at 

 about the lower fourth of the fore-arm ; it crosses the annular liga- 

 ment, and is distributed to the integument over the ball of the 

 thumb and in the palm of the hand. 



The median nerve at its termination in the palm of the hand is 

 very considerably spread out and flattened, and it divides into six 

 branches, one muscular and five digital. The muscular branch is 

 distributed to the muscles of the ball of the thumb. The digital 

 branches are thus arranged : two pass outwards to the thumb ; one 

 to the radial side of the index finger; one subdivides for the supply 

 of the adjoining sides of the index and middle fingers ; and the re- 

 maining one, for the supply of the adjoining sides of the middle and 

 ring fingers. The digital nerves in their course along the fingers are 

 situated to the inner side of the digital arteries. Opposite the base of 

 the first phalanx each nerve gives off a dorsal branch which runs 

 along the border of the dorsum of the finger. Near the extremity of 

 the finger the digital nerve divides into a palmar and a dorsal branch ; 

 the former supplying the sentient extremity of the finger, and the 

 latter the structures around and beneath the nail. The digital 

 nerve maintains no communication with its fellow of the opposite 

 side. 



The ULNAR NERVE is somewhat smaller than the median, behind 

 which it lies, gradually diverging from it in its course. It arises from 

 the brachial plexus in common with the internal head of the median 

 and the internal cutaneous nerve, and runs down the inner side of 

 the arm, to the groove between the internal condyle and olecranon, 

 resting upon the internal head of the triceps, and accompanied by 

 the inferior profunda artery. At the elbow it is superficial, and 

 supported by the inner condyle, against which it is easily com- 

 pressed, giving rise to the thrilling sensation along the inner side of 

 the fore-arm and little finger, ascribed to striking the " funny bone." 

 It then passes between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris and 

 descends along the inner side of the fore-arm, crosses the annular 

 ligament, and divides into two branches, superficial and deep 

 palmar. At the commencement of the middle third of the fore-arm, 

 it becomes applied against the artery, and lies to its ulnar side, as 

 far as the hand. 



The Branches of the ulnar nerve are, 



Muscular in the upper arm, Dorsal branch, 



Articular, Superficial palmar, 



Muscular in the fore-arm, Deep palmar. 

 Anastomotic, 



The Muscular branches in the upper arm are a few filaments dis . 

 tributed to the triceps. 



The Articular branches are several filaments to the elbow-joint, 



