Sensory testing for the radial nerve includes which area?

Sensory testing for the radial nerve includes which area?

• A. Palmar surface of the index finger
• B. Tip of the index finger
• C. Dorsum of the little finger
• D. Dorsum of the thumb; Index web space

Answer: (D)

Radial nerve sensation is tested on the dorsum of the hand, especially the area over the base of the thumb and the first dorsal web space between the thumb and index finger. The superficial branch of the radial nerve carries this cutaneous innervation. The other areas listed belong to other nerves: the palmar surface and fingertip of the index finger are median nerve territories, and the dorsum of the little finger is ulnar nerve territory. So the dorsum of the thumb and the index web space best represent radial nerve sensory testing.

Radial nerve sensation is tested on the dorsum of the hand, especially the area over the base of the thumb and the first dorsal web space between the thumb and index finger. The superficial branch of the radial nerve carries this cutaneous innervation. The other areas listed belong to other nerves: the palmar surface and fingertip of the index finger are median nerve territories, and the dorsum of the little finger is ulnar nerve territory. So the dorsum of the thumb and the index web space best represent radial nerve sensory testing.