Which plexus is responsible for branching nerves to the chest, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, and hands?

The brachial plexus is the correct choice because it is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord at the cervical levels (C5 to T1) and is responsible for innervating the upper limb. This plexus gives rise to several major nerves that supply motor and sensory functions to the chest, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, and hands. The major branches include the musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves, which are critical for both movement and sensation in these areas.

Understanding the specific roles of the brachial plexus is essential in medical coding and documentation, especially when dealing with conditions or injuries that affect the upper extremities. The other plexuses listed do not serve the upper limb in this manner; for instance, the cervical plexus primarily supplies the neck and some shoulder regions, while the lumbar plexus innervates the lower back and legs. The thoracic plexus, though sometimes of discussion, isn't a standard plexus recognized in the same way as cervical or brachial.