Upper limb and brachial plexus mnemonic

Muscles of the hand supplied by the median nerve

The mnemonic

LOAF

What each word stands for

  • LLateral two lumbricals
  • OOpponens pollicis
  • AAbductor pollicis brevis
  • FFlexor pollicis brevis (superficial head)

Why it matters clinically

Thenar wasting and loss of thumb abduction point to median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel.

Where it stops being reliable

Covers only the intrinsic hand muscles; forearm muscles and the deep head of flexor pollicis brevis are not included.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Upper limb and brachial plexus mnemonic?

LOAF. It helps you recall: Muscles of the hand supplied by the median nerve.

What does "L" stand for?

Lateral two lumbricals

What does "O" stand for?

Opponens pollicis

What does "A" stand for?

Abductor pollicis brevis

What are all the parts of the LOAF mnemonic?

L: Lateral two lumbricals; O: Opponens pollicis; A: Abductor pollicis brevis; F: Flexor pollicis brevis (superficial head).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Upper limb and brachial plexus in Anatomy.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Covers only the intrinsic hand muscles; forearm muscles and the deep head of flexor pollicis brevis are not included.

How is this useful clinically?

Thenar wasting and loss of thumb abduction point to median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anatomy question about Upper limb and brachial plexus.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.