The posterior cord is a part of the brachial plexus. It consists of contributions from all of the roots of the brachial plexus.

The posterior cord gives rise to the following nerves:

Name Roots Supplies upper subscapular nerve C5-C6 subscapularis muscle of the rotator cuff lower subscapular nerve C5-C6 subscapularis muscle, teres major muscle thoracodorsal nerve C6-C8 latissimus dorsi muscle axillary nerve C5-C6 sensation to the shoulder and motor to the deltoid muscle, the teres minor and the triceps brachii (long head) muscle radial nerve C5-C8, T1 triceps brachii muscle, the brachioradialis muscle, the extensor muscles of the fingers and wrist (extensor carpi radialis muscle), supinator, and the extensor and abductor muscles of the thumb