Brachial artery

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Brachial artery is a major blood vessel of the upper arm, playing a critical role in supplying oxygenated blood to the arm, forearm, and hand. It continues from the axillary artery at the lower margin of the teres major muscle, extending down to the cubital fossa near the elbow. Here, it bifurcates into the radial artery and the ulnar artery, which further supply blood to the forearm and hand.

Anatomy

The brachial artery is the principal artery of the arm and is a continuation of the axillary artery. It begins at the lower edge of the teres major muscle and ends in the cubital fossa, where it divides into the radial and ulnar arteries. Throughout its course, it lies medial to the biceps brachii muscle and is superficial in the distal part of the arm, making it accessible for measuring blood pressure and for arterial puncture.

Branches

The brachial artery gives off several branches along its course:

• Profunda brachii artery: Also known as the deep artery of the arm, it branches off near the teres major muscle and runs along the radial nerve, supplying the posterior compartment of the arm.
• Nutrient arteries to the humerus: These small branches supply blood to the humerus bone.
• Superior ulnar collateral artery and Inferior ulnar collateral artery: These arteries contribute to the blood supply of the elbow joint and help form anastomoses around the elbow.

Clinical Significance

The brachial artery is of significant clinical importance due to its accessibility. It is commonly used for:

• Blood pressure measurement: The artery's superficial location in the arm makes it ideal for cuff placement during sphygmomanometry.
• Arterial blood gas sampling and cannulation: For various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

However, the brachial artery is also susceptible to injury and disease:

• Trauma: Due to its location, the brachial artery can be injured in fractures of the humerus or deep cuts to the arm.
• Atherosclerosis: Like other arteries, the brachial artery can be affected by atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow to the arm and hand.
• Aneurysm: Although rare, aneurysms can occur in the brachial artery, potentially leading to rupture or thrombosis.

Examination

Physical examination of the brachial artery includes palpation to assess the pulse's strength and rhythm, which can provide information about the cardiovascular system's status. Abnormal findings may indicate underlying pathologies such as peripheral artery disease or aortic dissection.