Brachial artery

INTRODUCTION:

• 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.
• Bicipital aponeurosis  passes superficial to the brachial artery and median nerve

BRANCHES:

• Profunda brachii artery (deep brachial artery)
• Superior ulnar collateral artery
• Inferior ulnar collateral artery
• Radial artery (a terminal branch)
• Ulnar artery (a terminal branch)
• Nutrient branches to the humerus
• Important anastomotic networks of the elbow and (as the axillary artery) the shoulder.

CLINICAL ANATOMY:

• 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.
• Although it can be compressed anywhere along its course but most favourably in the middle of the arm where it lies on tendon of coracobrachialis
• In case of occlusion resulting from fracture of humerus immediate surgery is required. 
• During venipuncture, the bicipital aponeurosis provides limited protection for brachial artery and median nerve

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