The brachial artery is an arterial blood vessel. The artery is comparatively large and is located in the upper arm. The brachial artery attaches to and continues the axillary artery. The name of the artery changes at the lower edge of the tendon of a special muscle, namely the teres major muscle. Finally, the brachial artery splits into the radial artery as well as the ulnar artery.
What is the brachial artery?
In many cases, the brachial artery is also called the brachial artery. It is an artery in the upper arm area that is responsible for supplying blood to the entire arm. In doing so, it continues the axillary artery called axillary artery, which is located in the inner groove of the biceps. Thus, it is located in the inner side of the biceps brachii muscle. Below the elbow, the brachial artery splits into two other arteries, the ulnar artery and the radial artery. Basically, the brachial artery is accompanied by certain nerves on both sides. These nerves belong to the fascicle in the brachial plexus. In the medial direction, these are the median nerve, the ulnar nerve, the cutaneus antebrachii medial nerve, and the cutaneus brachii medial nerve. Next to the brachial artery below the biceps is the musculocutaneous nerve. It is also important to measure blood pressure using a stethoscope at the point where the brachial artery splits. The pulse is also palpable in this area. Especially in newborns or small children, the pulse is easier to detect here than at the wrist.
Anatomy and structure
At the beginning of its course, the profunda brachii artery splits off from the brachial artery. This subsequently runs together with the radial nerve and initially with the axillary nerves. These nerves extend from the fascicle of the brachial plexus over the triceps brachii muscle. Above the elbow, they reach the top and run between the brachioradialis muscle as well as the brachialis muscle at this point. In the area of the elbow, the blood from the profunda brachii artery mixes again with the blood from the brachial artery. This mixing occurs through the network of blood vessels located in the crook of the elbow. However, when the brachial artery is obstructed, the collateral artery alone is unable to supply the arm with sufficient blood and oxygen on a permanent basis. The accompanying vein of the brachial artery is called the brachial vein. In the section where the brachial artery passes through the cubital fossa, it is called the cubital artery. In its later course, the brachial artery extends along the intermuscular septum and finally runs almost without any padding along the bone to the cubital fossa. Following this, it passes through the cubital fossa. The brachial artery passes under the aponeurosis in the region of the biceps brachii muscle and divides into its terminal branches. The two main branches of the brachial artery are the radial artery and the ulnar artery. Its collateral branches are the superior collateral artery, the profunda brachii artery, and the inferior collateral artery. In addition, other branches exist to various supply areas in the immediate vicinity of the artery.
Function and Tasks
Because the brachial artery is an artery in the region of the upper arm, it is primarily responsible for supplying the arm with blood. Central to this is the transport of oxygen and various nutrients to different sections of the arm. The brachial artery works together with other arteries and veins. In addition, the brachial artery has numerous small branches and ramifications that supply other areas with blood and oxygen.
Diseases
Complaints and diseases sometimes occur in connection with the brachial artery, some of which involve serious complications. The brachial artery runs very close to the humerus. For this reason, the artery is particularly susceptible to injury in fractures of the humerus. Damage to the brachial artery is not uncommon in such cases and impairs the supply of blood to the affected arm. On the other hand, the proximity to the humerus also has a positive aspect. This is that in the case of distal damage to the arm, the artery is relatively easy to compress.In this way, the loss of larger amounts of blood can be prevented. In addition, there is the possibility of puncturing the brachial artery in the case of bleeding on the lower arm within the groove of the muscle. If punctures are performed on the veins at the elbow, there is a risk of accidental puncture of the brachial artery. The risk is greater the more atypical the course of the brachial artery is in the affected person. Basically, brachial artery injuries or contusions in its course require urgent medical treatment. If the artery is injured, it cannot perform its function as an artery to a sufficient degree. However, blood supply to the injured arm should be maintained without prolonged interruption if possible.