Where does the brachial artery begin and end?

The brachial artery begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle as a continuation of the axillary artery. It terminates at the level of the neck of the radius, where it divides into the radial artery and ulnar artery.

What are the terminal branches of the brachial artery?

At its termination, the brachial artery divides into two terminal branches: the radial artery (lateral and smaller) and the ulnar artery (medial and larger).

What are the main branches of the brachial artery?

The brachial artery gives off several branches, including muscular branches to anterior arm muscles, the profunda brachii artery (largest branch), the nutrient artery to the humerus, and the superior and inferior ulnar collateral arteries.

How is the brachial artery related to nerves in the arm?

The brachial artery has close anatomical relations with several nerves. Anteriorly, the median nerve crosses it from lateral to medial. Medially, it is associated with the ulnar nerve and median nerve in different parts of the arm.

Where can you palpate the brachial pulse?

The brachial pulse is palpated medial to the biceps tendon in the cubital fossa. This is a common site for measuring blood pressure.

What clinical complications can affect the brachial artery?

Clinical issues include supracondylar fracture of the humerus, which may rupture the artery and lead to Volkmann's ischemic contracture. It can also be compressed against the humerus to control distal bleeding.

What muscles lie posterior to the brachial artery?

Posteriorly, the brachial artery is related to the long and medial heads of the triceps, coracobrachialis, and the brachialis muscle.

Brachial Artery Anatomy – Course, Branches & Clinical Use

❓ Frequently Asked Questions