Best Motor Exam

Upper Extremities

Motor Function Nerve-Root Level
Raises elbow to shoulder Deltoid, C-5
Flexes forearm Biceps, C-6
Extends forearm Triceps, C-7
Flexes wrist, fingers C-8
Spreads fingers T-1

Lower Extremities

Motor Function Nerve-Root Level
Flexes hip Iliopsoas, L-2
Extends knee Quadriceps, L-4
Dorsiflexes ankle Tibialis anterior, L-5
Plantarflexes ankle Gastrocnemius, S-1

Hand Exam

OK sign median nerve
spread fingers ulnar nerve
wrist extension ("stop!") radial nerve
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