The brachial plexus (literal translation: arm "braid," "the interweaving of strands") has been discussed in the medical literature through the centuries, from the first anatomical dissections in the classical period to the injuries that may be sustained during modern medical procedures. In this article, we discuss a few interesting historical aspects concerning brachial plexus anatomy and brachial plexopathies resulting from various kinds of trauma. Finally, we consider the condition neuralgic amyotrophy, which is often considered a type of brachial plexopathy.