The median nerve is one of the major nerves in the arm, primarily responsible for sensation and movement in the hand. It originates from the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that supplies the upper limb. The median nerve travels down the arm and passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, where it can be compressed, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. This nerve innervates several muscles in the forearm and hand, enabling functions such as gripping and pinching. It also provides sensory information from the skin of the palm and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.