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Anastomosis Around the Elbow Joint

Anastomosis around the elbow joint refers to the network of interconnected arteries, that supply blood to the elbow region.

These Arteries are:

    1. Brachial artery 

  2.  Radial artery 

 3.  Ulnar artery



In this video, we provide a comprehensive guide to the anastomosis around the elbow joint, focusing on the network of arteries that ensure a continuous blood supply to the arm and forearm.

 1. Brachial Artery


 The brachial artery is the main artery of the upper arm and splits into the radial and ulnar arteries at the cubital fossa.

It gives following branches for anastomosis.

  • Profunda Brachii Artery: Gives off the radial collateral and middle collateral arteries.
  • Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Arises from the brachial artery and travels along the medial aspect of the elbow.
  • Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Also arises from the brachial artery and runs anteriorly to the elbow.

  2. Radial Artery


 

The radial artery is one of the terminal branches of the brachial artery, supplying the lateral aspect of the forearm.

It gives the following artery.


  • Radial Recurrent Artery: Arises from the radial artery just below the elbow and anastomoses with branches from the profunda brachii.

  3. Ulnar Artery


 

The ulnar artery is the other terminal branch of the brachial artery, supplying the medial aspect of the forearm.

It gives rise to following branches for anastomosis.

  • Anterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery: Arises from the ulnar artery and ascends to anastomose with the inferior ulnar collateral artery.
  • Posterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery: Also arises from the ulnar artery and ascends to anastomose with the superior ulnar collateral artery.
  • Common Interosseous Artery: Gives off the interosseous recurrent artery.

            Network of Anastomoses

The anastomosis around the elbow can be divided into anterior and posterior networks.



                1. Anterior Network

It consists of following connections of Arteries.


 

  • Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Anastomoses with the posterior ulnar recurrent artery.
  • Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent artery.
  • Radial Recurrent Artery: Anastomoses with the anterior branch of profunda.

                2. Posterior Network

It consists of following connections of Arteries.


 

  • Middle Collateral Artery: Arises from the profunda brachii artery and anastomoses with the interosseous recurrent artery.