Brachial Artery: What to Know

Definition

The brachial artery is a major artery in the upper limb. It arises from the axillary artery at the lower border of the teres major muscle, or about 2.5 cm below the lateral border of the clavicle, and extends to the level of the elbow joint where it terminates by dividing into the ulnar and radial arteries.

Branches

The brachial artery gives off several branches, including:

- Deep brachial artery: This branch arises just inferior to the teres major and supplies the triceps brachii muscle and the humerus.

- Superior ulnar collateral artery: This branch arises opposite the insertion of the coracobrachialis and runs along the medial side of the arm to supply the triceps brachii and elbow joint.

- Inferior ulnar collateral artery: This branch arises a few centimeters below the superior ulnar collateral artery and also runs along the medial side of the arm to supply the triceps brachii, elbow joint, and forearm muscles.

- Radial artery: One of the two terminal branches of the brachial artery, the radial artery travels laterally and distally along the forearm and supplies the lateral aspect of the hand.

- Ulnar artery: The other terminal branch of the brachial artery, the ulnar artery, travels medially and distally along the forearm and supplies the medial aspect of the hand.

Clinical Significance

The brachial artery is commonly used for measuring blood pressure and obtaining blood samples. It can also be used for arterial cannulation during surgical procedures.

Anatomical Variations

The brachial artery can have several variations in its branching pattern, including:

- High division of the brachial artery: In this variation, the brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries higher than the elbow joint, typically at the level of the axilla or upper arm.

- Low division of the brachial artery: In this variation, the brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries lower than the elbow joint, typically at the level of the forearm.

- Common interosseous artery: In this variation, a single artery, the common interosseous artery, arises from the brachial artery and gives rise to the radial and ulnar arteries.

- Superficial brachial artery: In this variation, the brachial artery runs more superficially in the arm, making it more susceptible to injury.