Prepare for the Milady Esthetics State Board Test. Study with comprehensive questions and insightful explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which nerve supplies the thumb side of the arm and the back of the hand?

  1. Ulnar Nerve

  2. Median Nerve

  3. Radial Nerve

  4. Musculocutaneous Nerve

The correct answer is: Radial Nerve

The radial nerve is responsible for supplying the thumb side of the arm and the back of the hand. It innervates the muscles that enable movements such as wrist and finger extension and the sensation in these areas. The radial nerve runs along the radial side of the arm and extends down into the hand, providing sensation to the back (or posterior) surface of the hand, particularly the thumb, index finger, and part of the middle finger. This distribution is important for maintaining function and feeling in these areas. Understanding the function and pathways of the radial nerve is crucial for professionals in esthetics and related fields, as it impacts treatments involving the hands and arms, helping to avoid complications and ensure optimal care for clients.