Brachial Artery is a continuation of the Axillary Artery beyond the lower side of Teres Major Muscle. It reaches the Cubital Fossa at the Elbow while going down the ventral surface of arm. At the Elbow it divides into Radial and Ulnar Arteries going down to the forearm. The pulse of Brachial Artery can be felt on the anterior side of Elbow, medial to the biceps tendon. The pulse of Brachial Artery is commonly used to measure the Blood Pressure.

Following are the branches of Brachial Artery.

• Profunda Brachii Artery

• Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery

• Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery

• Radial Artery

• Ulnar Artery

• Branches to Humerus

The median nerve for the most of its length is medial to the Brachial Artery.

FUNCTION

The function of Brachial Artery, like all other arteries, is to supply oxygenated blood to the cells of body.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Arm Artery (Brachial artery) disease is referred to as a form of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). It occurs due to the obstruction of the arm artery. This is due to Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the artery is hardened by the accumulation of fatty substances called Plaque. The Brachial Artery suffers from this condition commonly. The obstruction of Brachial Artery has certain symptoms that are as follows.

• Sensitivity to Cold

• Discoloring of finger to pale or blue color

• Lack of pulse in wrist

• Slow growing fingernails

• Arm hair reduction

• Loss of muscle strength