In what part of the body is the median nerve?

The median nerve is the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel of the wrist and connects with the thumb and all fingers of the hand, with the exception of the little finger. This nerve originates with the cervical spine and is routed through the arm and forearm. The nerve gathers in compressed form to run through the narrow carpal tunnel and to the fingers. In addition to controlling sensation in the hand, it is also important to the general nerve function of the upper portion of the arm.

In relation to the hand, the median nerve controls all sensation and nerve function on the palm side of the thumb. The nerve also manages the process of sensation for the index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. For these three fingers and the thumb, the nerve also provide sensation for the nail bed on each appendage.

An injury to this nerve can occur in several different ways. Trauma at some point above the elbow will, in turn, inhibit the function of the lower limb, including the fingers of the hand. When there is compression or entrapment at some point in the forearm, this leads to a deadening effect commonly known as pronator teres syndrome.