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Next identify, and clean the posterior cord of the brachial plexus by retracting the axillary artery and lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus. The posterior cord has two large terminal nerve branches, the axillary nerve and radial nerve, and three smaller muscular nerve branches, the upper and lower subscapular nerves and the thoracodorsal nerve.
The radial nerve is a distal continuation of the posterior cord. It innervates the muscles of the posterior arm and forearm.The axillary nerve passes through the quadrangular space with the posterior circumflex humeral artery. The axillary nerve supplies the deltoid muscle and teres minor muscle.
Links and References:
Grant's 6.25, 6.26, 6.28;
Netter (1ed.): 404-405; (2ed.): 400-401;
Rohen/Yokochi; 386-389