The brachial artery, a major blood vessel in the arm, carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the hand and fingers. In this article, we will overview the anatomy, anastomoses around the elbow joint, and clinical significance.
Course of the Brachial Artery
The brachial artery is a major blood vessel in the arm. It carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the hand and fingers. It is a continuation of the axillary artery. This terminates at the neck of the radius. It divides into two terminal branches: the radial artery and the ulnar artery.
The brachial artery runs superficially along its entire course except at the middle of the arm. The median nerve superficially crosses here, running from lateral to medial. Medical professionals use the brachial pulse to measure blood pressure. The brachial pulse is located in front of the elbow joint just medial to the tendon of the biceps brachii.
Branches of the Brachial Artery
The brachial artery has several named branches before its termination:
- Profunda brachii artery (the largest branch)
- Radial collateral artery
- Medial collateral artery
- Deltoid artery
- Superior ulnar artery
- Inferior ulnar artery
- Nutrient artery to the humerus
Anatomical Relations
- The brachial artery passes from the medial side of the arm to its anterior aspect at the level of the insertion of the coracobrachialis muscle.
- At this level, the median nerve crosses the artery from the lateral to the medial side.
- The cephalic vein runs along the medial side of the artery up to the lower border of the teres major muscle, where it becomes the axillary vein.
- The bicipital aponeurosis separates the artery from the median cubital vein.
- The brachial veins lie on each side of the brachial artery.
- A few deep lymph nodes are located along the medial side, and at the bifurcation. (deep cubital lymph node).
Anastomoses around the Elbow Joint
There are also several anastomoses, or connections, around the elbow joint that link the this artery with the upper ends of the radial and ulnar arteries. Four parts divide these anastomoses, supplying the ligaments and bones of the joint.
- Anterior descending branch of the profunda brachii artery
- Posterior descending branch of the profunda brachii artery
- Inferior ulnar collateral branch of the brachial artery
- Superior ulnar collateral branch of the brachial artery
Volkmann's ischaemic contracture
Contracture of forearm muscles, often caused by injury, leads to a permanent shortening, resulting in a clawlike deformity of the hand, fingers, and wrist. This condition is more prevalent in children. Most common aetiology is ischaemia due to supra condylar fracture of humerus causing compartment syndrome which compresses brachial artery. (Read more about this topic here
Quiz:
Brachial Artery Quiz
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