Lab3 - Module 1 - Anatomy of the Arm: Page 5 of 9

Arteries of the Arm

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Add the Axillary, Brachial, Radial and Ulnar arteries. . The brachial artery provides the main arterial supply to the arm. The brachial artery begins at the inferior border of the teres major muscle as a continuation of the axillary artery. It runs inferiorly and laterally on the medial side of the biceps brachii muscle and then turns anterior at the cubital fossa, where it ends opposite the neck of the radius. Under cover of the bicipital aponeurosis, the brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries.

Add the Median nerve. As the artery is passing inferiorly it accompanies the median nerve, which crosses anterior to the artery in the middle of the arm. In the cubital fossa the bicipital aponeurosis covers and protects the median nerve and brachial artery and separates them from the median cubital vein.

The named branches of the brachial artery are: profunda (deep) brachii artery, nutrient humeral artery, and the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries.

Add the Profunda brachii artery. The largest branch of the brachial artery with the most proximal origin. It accompanies the radial nerve in its posterior course in the radial (spiral) groove, then divides into radial and middle collateral branches, which help to form the anastomoses of the elbow.Rotate the cadaver to follow the path of this artery.

The Nutrient Humeral Artery arises at about the middle of the arm and enters the nutrient canal on the anteromedial surface of the humerus. We will not see this artery in the 3D cadaver.

The Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery – arises near the middle of the arm and accompanies the ulnar nerve posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. It anastomoses with the posterior ulnar recurrent branch of the ulnar artery. We will not see this artery in the 3D cadaver.

The Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery – arises from the brachial artery about 5 cm proximal to the elbow joint, passes inferomedially and anterior to the medial epicondyle. It anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent branch of the ulnar artery. We will not see this artery in the 3D cadaver.

The arterial anastomoses of the elbow region provide a functionally and surgically important collateral circulation. The brachial artery may be clamped or ligated distal to the inferior ulnar collateral artery without producing tissue damage.

Brachial artery injury, for example during a fracture of the elbow, can cause necrosis of muscle due to ischemia. Necrotic muscle is replaced by fibrous scar tissue which causes the involved muscles to become permanently shortened. This produces a flexion deformity of the wirst and fingers called Volkmann’s ischemic contracture.