brachialartär

The brachial artery is a major blood vessel in the upper limb. It is the continuation of the axillary artery and runs down the medial side of the humerus, the bone of the upper arm. The brachial artery is the primary artery supplying blood to the arm and forearm. It begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle and extends to the antecubital fossa, which is the bend of the elbow.

In the antecubital fossa, the brachial artery typically bifurcates into two terminal branches: the radial artery and the ulnar artery. These two arteries then continue down the forearm, supplying blood to its structures. The brachial artery is accompanied by the basilic vein and the median nerve throughout its course in the arm.

This artery is clinically significant for several reasons. It is the usual site for blood pressure measurements, taken with a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Additionally, the brachial artery is a common site for arterial blood sampling to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Palpation of the pulse at the brachial artery can help assess blood flow to the arm. Due to its superficial location and large size, it can be a target for surgical interventions or can be injured in trauma to the arm.