brachial artery

arteria brachialis

The brachial artery is the major blood vessel of the (upper) arm. It is the continuation of the axillary artery beyond the lower margin of teres major muscle. It continues down the ventral surface of the arm until it reaches the cubital fossa at the elbow. It then divides into the radial and ulnar arteries which run down the forearm. In some individuals, the bifurcation occurs much earlier and the ulnar and radial arteries extend through the upper arm. The pulse of the brachial artery is palpable on the anterior aspect of the elbow, medial to the tendon of the biceps, and, with the use of a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) often used to measure the blood pressure. The brachial artery is closely related to the median nerve; in proximal regions, the median nerve is immediately lateral to the brachial artery. Distally, the median nerve crosses the medial side of the brachial artery and lies anterior to the elbow joint. [WP,unvetted].

Type Muscle
Parent Structure artery
Latin Name arteria brachialis
FMA ID 22689

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the brachial artery?
The brachial artery is the major blood vessel supplying the upper arm. It is a continuation of the axillary artery, beginning at the lower border of the teres major muscle, and ends at the cubital fossa where it divides into the radial and ulnar arteries.
Where does the brachial artery divide?
The brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries at the level of the neck of the radius in the cubital fossa (antecubital fossa), approximately at the elbow crease. This bifurcation is the key terminal division of the vessel.
What important branches does the brachial artery give off?
Major branches of the brachial artery include the profunda brachii (deep brachial artery, supplying the triceps and anastomosing around the elbow), the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries, and muscular branches. These form important collateral networks around the elbow.
What is the clinical importance of the brachial artery?
The brachial artery is used for blood pressure measurement (auscultated in the cubital fossa), for arterial blood gas sampling, and is accessed for cardiac catheterization. Brachial artery injuries in supracondylar humeral fractures in children can cause compartment syndrome and Volkmann's ischemic contracture.
Where can the brachial artery be palpated?
The brachial artery is palpable along the medial aspect of the arm, running medial to the biceps brachii muscle. It can be felt most easily in the medial bicipital groove, and its pulse is used for blood pressure measurement in the antecubital fossa.

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.