What is meant by a "compound nerve"?

Question

I know what a compund muscle action potential (CMAP) is, but what is a compound nerve? I would assume its the same as a CMAP but apparently not..

Answer 1

A compound nerve is a peripheral nerve that contains axons of different sizes and transmitting different types of information.  For example, the ulnar nerve in your forearm has motor axons that control some of the muscles in your hand.  It also carries carries sensory information back from your skin, muscles and joints.  The sensory information is carried by a range of different axon sizes, and the information remains segregated as it enters the central nervous system.