Brachial Artery: Anatomy, Course, Branches & Clinical Significance

Anatomy Overview

The brachial artery is the major arterial supply to the upper limb. It is the continuation of the axillary artery distal to the lower border of the teres major muscle.

Course & Relations

• Runs along the medial aspect of the arm in the medial bicipital groove.
• Crosses anterior to the elbow joint at the cubital fossa, medial to the biceps tendon.
• Ends at the neck of the radius (level of radial tuberosity) by bifurcating into the radial and ulnar arteries.

Major Branches

• Profunda brachii (deep artery of arm): Accompanies radial nerve in spiral groove; supplies triceps, humerus.
• Superior ulnar collateral: Anastomoses around elbow.
• Inferior ulnar collateral: Anterior to medial epicondyle.
• Nutrient artery to humerus.
• Terminal branches: Radial artery (lateral), Ulnar artery (medial).

Clinical Significance

• Pulse palpation: Easily felt medial to biceps tendon at antecubital fossa—standard site for BP measurement and arterial access.
• Blood pressure: Cuff placed over brachial artery; Korotkoff sounds auscultated here.
• Arterial line / ABG sampling: Common access site.
• Supracondylar fracture: Risk of brachial artery injury/occlusion (check pulses, perfusion).
• Compartment syndrome: Brachial artery compression in forearm compartments.

Embryology Note

Develops from the axis artery of the upper limb bud (7th cervical intersegmental artery).