Brachial artery
Arteria brachialis
The brachial artery is the main artery of the arm. It continues the axillary artery at the inferior border of teres major and divides in the cubital fossa, at the level of the neck of the radius, into the radial and ulnar arteries.
Overview
The brachial artery runs down the medial side of the arm in the groove between biceps and triceps, close to the surface. The median nerve runs with it, crossing in front of it from lateral to medial at mid-arm. The ulnar nerve leaves it in the middle of the arm, piercing the medial intermuscular septum.
In the cubital fossa the artery lies medial to the biceps tendon and lateral to the median nerve. From lateral to medial, the order is tendon, artery, nerve ("TAN"). The artery lies deep to the bicipital aponeurosis, which separates it from the median cubital vein. It ends at the level of the neck of the radius by dividing into the radial and ulnar arteries.
Anatomy
- Branches
The profunda brachii (deep brachial) artery, which runs with the radial nerve in the radial groove; a nutrient artery to the humerus; the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries; and muscular branches. Its collateral and recurrent branches form the anastomosis around the elbow.
Function
- Supplies the anterior and posterior compartments of the arm and the elbow joint.
- Continues as the radial and ulnar arteries to supply the forearm and hand.
Clinical significance
Blood pressure measurement
A sphygmomanometer cuff compresses the brachial artery. As the cuff deflates, the Korotkoff sounds are heard over the artery in the cubital fossa. Phase I marks the systolic pressure, and phase V (disappearance of sounds) marks the diastolic pressure.
Supracondylar fracture of the humerus
In children, the displaced fragment of a supracondylar fracture can kink, tear or spasm the brachial artery. Ischaemia of the forearm muscles leads to compartment syndrome and eventually to Volkmann's ischaemic contracture, a permanent claw-like flexion deformity. The radial pulse and capillary refill must always be checked.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.