Brachial Artery

Description

Running along the medial aspect of the arm, the brachial artery continues distally from the axillary artery at the inferior border of teres major, coursing anterior to the humerus and deep to the biceps brachii until it approaches the cubital fossa. Near the elbow, the vessel lies medial to the biceps tendon and is closely related to the median nerve, which crosses from lateral to medial as it descends. Termination occurs at the level of the radial neck, where the brachial artery bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries. Bony context from the clavicle, scapula, ribs, humerus, radius, and ulna helps anchor the vascular pathway in true anatomical position. A distal perspective centered on the cubital fossa matters because this is the most common site for brachial artery auscultation and blood pressure measurement, and it is a frequent access and injury zone. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus can compromise the brachial artery, producing acute limb ischemia and the classic risk of Volkmann ischemic contracture if missed. The close relationship of artery and median nerve also frames exam findings after elbow trauma, and it clarifies why iatrogenic arterial puncture can occur during venipuncture near the median cubital vein. Teaching applications include upper limb anatomy labs, gross anatomy prosections, and clinical skills modules that cover palpation of the brachial pulse, placement of the cuff and stethoscope, and localization of the cubital fossa boundaries. The model also suits surgical and emergency medicine education discussing distal humerus fixation, compartment syndrome evaluation, and interpretation of vascular injury patterns in the arm. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.