Arteries of the upper limb

Arteries of the Upper Limb refers to the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the upper extremities of the human body. These arteries originate from the subclavian artery, which is a major artery in the thoracic region.

Anatomy

The main arteries of the upper limb include:

• Axillary Artery: This artery is the continuation of the subclavian artery. It provides blood supply to the axillary region and the upper arm.

• Brachial Artery: The axillary artery continues as the brachial artery at the lower border of the teres major muscle. It supplies blood to the arm.

• Radial Artery: This artery arises from the bifurcation of the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. It runs on the lateral side of the forearm and hand.

• Ulnar Artery: This is the other artery that arises from the bifurcation of the brachial artery. It runs on the medial side of the forearm and hand.

Clinical Significance

The arteries of the upper limb are important in clinical practice. They are often used for taking pulse, measuring blood pressure, and for inserting intravenous lines. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease and aneurysms can also affect these arteries.

See Also

• Veins of the upper limb
• Nerves of the upper limb
• Circulatory system