Brachial artery

The brachial artery is closely related to the median nerve; in proximal regions, the median nerve is immediately lateral to the brachial artery. Distally, the median nerve crosses the medial side of the brachial artery and lies anterior to the elbow joint.

Structure

The brachial artery gives rise to the following branches:

• Profunda brachii artery (deep brachial artery)
• Superior ulnar collateral artery
• Inferior ulnar collateral artery
• Radial artery (used to palpate radial pulse)(a terminal branch)
• Ulnar artery (a terminal branch)
• Nutrient branches to the humerus

It also gives rise to important anastomotic networks of the elbow and (as the axillary artery) the shoulder.

The biceps head is lateral to the brachial artery. The median nerve is medial to the brachial artery for most of its course. Fracture of lower end of humerus may cause rupture of bracheal artery.