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Arteries of the Upper Limb

The primary arteries supplying the upper limb include

  1. the subclavian artery
  2. axillary artery
  3. brachial artery
  4. radial artery
  5. ulnar artery


In this video, we provide a comprehensive guide to the "arterial supply of the upper limb", covering the origin, course, and branches of the major arteries that supply blood to this vital part of the body.

  1. Subclavian Artery

 
Origin: The right subclavian artery originates from the brachiocephalic trunk, while the left subclavian artery arises directly from the aortic arch.


Course: Travels laterally under the clavicle, becoming the axillary artery at the lateral border of the first rib.


Branches : It gives 4 Branches.

  • Vertebral Artery: Supplies the posterior part of the brain.
  • Internal Thoracic Artery: Supplies the anterior chest wall and breasts.
  • Thyrocervical Trunk: Gives off several branches, including the inferior thyroid artery, transverse cervical artery, and suprascapular artery.
  • Costocervical Trunk: Supplies the deep neck muscles and the first two intercostal spaces.

2. Axillary Artery

 
Origin: Continuation of the subclavian artery at the lateral border of the first rib.


Course: Travels through the axilla, becoming the brachial artery at the inferior border of the teres major muscle.


Divisions : 

Division into Three Parts

The axillary artery is divided into three parts based on its position relative to the pectoralis minor muscle.

  • First Part (proximal to muscle).
  • Second part (deep to muscle).
  • Third Part (distal to muscle).

3. Brachial Artery

 
Origin: Continuation of the axillary artery at the inferior border of the teres major muscle.


Course: Travels down the medial aspect of the arm, entering the cubital fossa at the elbow.


Branches: 

Brachial Artery gives following Four Branches.

  • Profunda Brachii (Deep Brachial Artery): Supplies the posterior compartment of the arm.
  • Nutrient Artery to the Humerus: Supplies the humerus.
  • Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Runs with the ulnar nerve, supplies the elbow joint.
  • Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery: Supplies the elbow joint.


4. Radial Artery

 
Origin: Begins at the bifurcation of the brachial artery in the cubital fossa.


Course: Travels down the lateral aspect of the forearm, passes through the anatomical snuffbox, and enters the hand.


Branches : 

Radial Artery gives following four Branches.

  • Radial Recurrent Artery: Supplies the elbow joint.
  • Palmar Carpal Branch: Supplies the carpal bones and joints.
  • Superficial Palmar Branch: Contributes to the superficial palmar arch.
  • Deep Palmar Arch: Supplies the deep structures of the hand.


5. Ulnar Artery

 
Origin: Begins at the bifurcation of the brachial artery in the cubital fossa.


Course: Travels down the medial aspect of the forearm, enters the hand via the Guyon canal.


Branches : 

Ulnar Artery gives following five Branches.

  • Ulnar Recurrent Arteries (Anterior and Posterior): Supply the elbow joint.
  • Common Interosseous Artery: Divides into anterior and posterior interosseous arteries, supplying the forearm.
  • Palmar Carpal Branch: Supplies the carpal bones and joints.
  • Superficial Palmar Arch: Supplies the superficial structures of the hand.
  • Deep Palmar Branch: Contributes to the deep palmar arch.