Brachial artery

Brachial Artery The brachial artery (Figs. 9.42 and 9.43)
begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle as a continuation
of the axillary artery. It provides the main arterial
supply to the arm (Fig. 9.42). It terminates opposite the neck
of the radius by dividing into the radial and ulnar arteries.
Relations
■■ Anteriorly: The vessel is superficial and is overlapped
from the lateral side by the coracobrachialis and biceps.
The medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm lies in front
of the upper part; the median nerve crosses its middle
part; and the bicipital aponeurosis crosses its lower part
(Fig. 9.43).
■■ Posteriorly: The artery lies on the triceps, the coracobrachialis
insertion, and the brachialis (Fig. 9.43).
■■ Medially: The ulnar nerve and the basilic vein in the
upper part of the arm; in the lower part of the arm, the
median nerve lies on its medial side (Fig. 9.43).
■■ Laterally: The median nerve and the coracobrachialis
and biceps muscles above; the tendon of the biceps
lies lateral to the artery in the lower part of its course
Branches
■■ Muscular branches to the anterior compartment of the
upper arm
■■ The nutrient artery to the humerus
■■ The profunda artery arises near the beginning of the
brachial artery and follows the radial nerve into the spiral
groove of the humerus (Fig. 9.45).
■■ The superior ulnar collateral artery arises near the
middle of the upper arm and follows the ulnar nerve
(Fig. 9.45)