Where is brachial artery located

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Robert H. Whitaker, Neil R. Sometimes the brachial artery runs more medially—that is more towards the middle—of the elbow, accessing the medial epicondyle of the humerus, which is the rounded part of the bone.

In these cases, the positioning of the artery is more towards the middle, and it runs behind the supracondylar process of the humerus, a bony projection about five centimeters above the elbow joint. In addition, this artery can form branches that are more proximal, or further up the arm than usual.

In these instances, three branches split off from the brachial artery, the ulnar, radial, and common interosseous arteries, with the radial artery splitting off earlier on. Understanding the variations in this anatomy is particularly important for surgeons providing care.

The brachial artery is primarily involved with providing oxygenated blood to the arm and hand. Because the brachial artery is just below skin level—especially around the elbow—doctors use it to measure blood pressure.

This explains why the inflatable cuff of the standard blood pressure gauge is placed on the elbow. Surgeons may also need to apply compression of the brachial artery to control blood loss in trauma patients. Because the brachial artery serves such an important role in providing blood to the upper limbs, it can be involved in a number of disorders or conditions. Especially common in children, supracondylar fracture of the humerus shaft occurs due to falls on the elbow or extended hand.

This can cause displacement of the distal fragment—the part of the bone further away from the body—in the humerus, which can damage the brachial artery. In general, fractures or nerve problems to the upper arm can affect the functioning of the brachial artery. The ankle-brachial index measures blood pressure in the ankle as well as the brachial artery to test for peripheral artery disease PAD in a non-invasive manner.

PAD is when one or more arteries that supply blood to the limbs become blocked, most often due to atherosclerosis , or the build-up of plaque in vessels. With ischaemic compartment syndrome, scarring starts in the injured area—anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours after injury—leading to permanent shortening of muscles. This is a permanent contracture of the hand at the wrist.

Causes vary, but damage or the blocking off the brachial artery can lead to the condition. Though very rare—a swelling of a particular area in an artery—can occur due to injury to the brachial artery, genetic or metabolic issues, atherosclerosis, or Kawasaki disease , a condition characterized by swelling in the lymph nodes found in young children.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Epperson TN, Varacallo M. Anatomy, shoulder and upper limb, brachial artery. StatPearls Publishing. Anatomical variation of brachial artery bifurcation. Saudi Med J. Ekim H, Tuncer M.