Label for thoracodorsal nerve at bottom center.
The middle subscapular nerve, known as the thoracodorsal nerve also branches from the posterior division of the brachial plexus.
The latissimus dorsi graft is used because of its long thoracodorsal nerve.
By using the long thoracodorsal nerve of the latissimus dorsi muscle, direct coaptation to the facial nerve on the other side can be performed.
Microvascular anastomoses are generally performed to the thoracodorsal or internal mammary vessels.