What is the structure branches and function of the brachial artery
The human body is full of complex structures which is simply explained by science. From head to toe, there are muscles, arteries, veins all over the human body. But do you know which artery constitutes a human arm? In the human arm, Brachial Artery works as the main supply for the arm. This artery is close to the humerus. Due to this, various clinical examinations are made from this artery. When a person measures the blood pressure and pulse rate, brachial artery anatomy helps in providing these results. With this article, we have mentioned all the details, relations, functions, and branches of this artery.
Brachial Artery Course
The continuation of the axillary artery proves to be the Brachial artery origin. The proximal Brachial artery is the axillary artery continuation. It lies in the medial upper arm. This artery lies medially in the biceps brachii muscle and anterior to the medial head of the triceps. The Brachial Artery function is to supply blood throughout the arm.
Brachial Artery Relations
As far as brachial artery relations are studied, its relationship with other arm structures is important from the point of view of clinical practice. This artery is covered by layers of skin and a superficial vessel. However, there are few exceptions to this brachial artery anatomy relations:
1. The first exception lies in the cubital fossa. In this, the bicipital aponeurosis covers the artery. Due to this, it gets separated from the median cubital vein.
2. Another exception to this brachial artery course relations, occurs when the median nerve crosses the brachial artery.
Branches of Brachial Artery
There are eight branches of the brachial artery in the human body. These includes:
1. Profunda Brachii Artery:
The profunda brachii artery runs between the medial and long heads of the triceps brachii muscle. This gets further divided into two branches, i.e., middle ulnar collateral and radial artery.
2. Nutrient Artery of the Humerus
The nutrient artery of the humerus starts from the middle of the arm. It enters before the nutrient canal and is near the attachment of the coracobrachialis.
3. Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery
This artery originates from the brachial artery slightly to the middle-level of the arm. After which it moves between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the ulnar epicondyle.
4. Middle Ulnar Collateral Artery
This artery arises between the inferior and superior ulnar collateral arteries. It travels to the medial epicondyle.
5. Inferior Ulnar Collateral (Supratrochlear) Artery
This artery lies between the brachialis muscle and the median curve. However, it does not cross the medial intermuscular septum. After which, it gets curved to the humerus between bone and triceps muscles.
6. Deltoid (Ascending) Artery
This artery lies between the lateral and long head of the triceps branch. It ends at the point where it reaches the branch of the posterior humeral circumflex artery.
7. Radial Artery
In the brachial artery anatomy, this is one of the branches of it. It flows deep to the brachioradialis. This gives off the radial recurrent artery distal to the elbow joint.
8. Ulnar Artery
It is the largest branch among all branches of the brachial artery. The ulnar artery is subsequently divided into two branches which include anterior and posterior branches. This artery proceeds down to the arm and finally supplies to the hand.
However, the brachial artery diagram provides a better understanding and clarity about the branches of this artery.
Fun Fact - Brachial Artery Mnemonic
It becomes a little easy to remember the branches of this artery with the brachial artery diagram. But, there is another way to remember it. The brachial artery mnemonic is:
Play
November rain
Sweet child
O' Mine
It's so easy, and
Don't stop
Rocking
Ukulele
Here, P denotes Profunda brachii, N for Nutrient artery of the humerus, S for Superior ulnar collateral artery, M for Middle ulnar collateral artery, I for Inferior ulnar collateral artery, D for Deltoid artery, R for Radial artery, and U for Ulnar artery.
In this way, the eight branches can be easily remembered. Apart from this mnemonic, there is one more mnemonic that can help to remember the anastomosis of the ulnar collateral and recurrent branches.
I Am Pretty Smart
1. In this mnemonic, I and A means that the Inferior ulnar collateral artery moves with the Anterior branch of the ulnar recurrent artery.
2. The P and S denote that the Superior ulnar artery goes with the Posterior branch of the ulnar recurrent artery.
Conclusion
The information regarding the brachial artery function or origin can be important for any person. This artery is important in the human body and supplies blood to the arm. Brachial artery origin is from the axillary artery. However, the branches of this artery are broad and may take time to remember. With this article, we have covered all the things about brachial artery anatomy.
FAQs on Brachial Artery Anatomy and Clinical Significance
1. What is the brachial artery?
The brachial artery is the main artery of the upper arm that supplies oxygenated blood to the arm and forearm. It is a continuation of the axillary artery beyond the lower border of the teres major muscle. It:
- Runs along the medial side of the upper arm
- Travels with the median nerve
- Divides near the elbow into the radial and ulnar arteries
2. Where is the brachial artery located?
The brachial artery is located in the upper arm between the shoulder and the elbow. Specifically, it:
- Begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle
- Runs down the medial (inner) side of the arm
- Lies anterior to the humerus
- Ends in the cubital fossa, where it divides into terminal branches
3. What is the function of the brachial artery?
The main function of the brachial artery is to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and tissues of the upper limb. It:
- Supplies the upper arm muscles such as the biceps brachii and triceps brachii
- Provides blood to the elbow joint
- Continues blood flow to the forearm and hand via its branches
4. What are the branches of the brachial artery?
The brachial artery gives off several important branches that supply the arm and elbow region. Major branches include:
- Profunda brachii artery (deep artery of the arm)
- Superior ulnar collateral artery
- Inferior ulnar collateral artery
- Terminal branches: radial artery and ulnar artery
5. How is the brachial artery used to measure blood pressure?
The brachial artery is used to measure blood pressure because it is easily accessible and reflects systemic arterial pressure. During measurement:
- A cuff is placed around the upper arm
- The cuff compresses the brachial artery
- A stethoscope is placed over the artery in the cubital fossa
- Korotkoff sounds are heard as blood flow resumes
6. What happens if the brachial artery is damaged?
Damage to the brachial artery can cause severe bleeding and reduced blood supply to the forearm and hand. Possible consequences include:
- Profuse external or internal hemorrhage
- Ischemia (reduced oxygen supply) to distal tissues
- Loss of pulse in the radial and ulnar arteries
- Risk of tissue necrosis if untreated
7. What is the difference between the brachial artery and the radial artery?
The brachial artery is the main artery of the upper arm, while the radial artery is one of its terminal branches supplying the lateral forearm and hand. Key differences include:
- Location: Brachial (upper arm), Radial (thumb side of forearm)
- Function: Brachial supplies arm; radial supplies forearm and hand
- Clinical use: Radial artery is commonly used to check the pulse
8. What structures run with the brachial artery?
The brachial artery runs alongside important nerves and veins in the upper arm. These include:
- Median nerve (closely related throughout its course)
- Brachial veins (venae comitantes)
- Proximally, the ulnar nerve lies nearby before moving posteriorly
9. Where does the brachial artery divide?
The brachial artery divides in the cubital fossa at the level of the neck of the radius. At this point, it splits into:
- Radial artery
- Ulnar artery
10. Why is the brachial artery clinically important?
The brachial artery is clinically important because it is used for blood pressure measurement, pulse assessment, and is vulnerable in arm injuries. Its importance includes:
- Primary site for measuring systemic blood pressure
- Assessment of distal circulation in trauma cases
- Risk of injury in supracondylar fractures of the humerus
- Indicator of vascular health in the upper limb
