Deep Brachial ArteryEdit
The deep brachial artery, commonly known as the profunda brachii artery, is a large branch of the brachial artery in the upper limb. It plays a key role in supplying the posterior compartment of the arm, especially the triceps brachii and nearby structures, and it forms an important part of the elbow’s collateral network. In typical anatomy, its course and branches are reliable reference points for surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists who prioritize functional redundancy and predictable vascular patterns in clinical practice.
The artery is named for its deep position in the arm, running behind the humerus and in close relation to the radial nerve as it travels through the spiral groove. This close association with the nerve makes the profunda brachii artery a vessel of practical consequence in fractures or surgical approaches involving the humeral shaft. A conservative, results-oriented perspective on upper limb anatomy emphasizes such predictable relationships because they support safe dissection, reliable bleeding control, and robust collateral circulation when primary pathways are compromised.
In addition to its primary supply of the posterior arm muscles, the profunda brachii contributes to the elbow’s periarticular arterial network through its terminal branches, the radial collateral artery and the middle collateral artery. These branches participate in anastomoses with the radial recurrent artery and other arteries around the elbow, helping safeguard distal perfusion during movements and in the event of occlusive disease in the main brachial or radial arteries. This redundancy is a practical illustration of the body’s emphasis on dependable function, a principle that underpins many clinical decisions in trauma, orthopedic surgery, and vascular intervention. The artery can arise from variations in the axillary-to-brachial territory, and in some individuals a humeral nutrient artery may originate from or be influenced by branches of the profunda brachii.
Anatomy and course
Origin and course - The profunda brachii artery typically originates as a branch of the brachial artery in the distal arm. In some people, it may arise from the axillary artery or present a somewhat variable origin near the lower axillary or proximal brachial region. Throughout its course, it travels posteriorly with the radial nerve in the spiral groove of the humerus. - Related terms: brachial artery, axillary artery, radial nerve.
Relations and function - The artery lies in close association with the radial nerve as they descend together in the spiral groove. Its primary muscular targets are the posterior compartment of the arm, including the triceps brachii and, to a lesser extent, the anconeus. - Related terms: spiral groove, triceps brachii, anconeus.
Branches and arterial network - Terminal branches consist of the radial collateral artery and the middle collateral artery. These arteries contribute to the elbow’s periarticular arterial network by forming anastomoses with surrounding arteries such as the radial recurrent artery and interosseous recurrent vessels. - Related terms: radial collateral artery, middle collateral artery, radial recurrent artery, interosseous recurrent artery, elbow.
Anatomical variations - Variations in origin and course are noted in anatomical literature. In some individuals, the profunda brachii may originate from the axillary artery or show variations in its distal division. There can also be anatomical variants in how its branches anastomose around the elbow. - Related terms: axillary artery, humerus.
Nutrient supply - In some cases a nutrient artery to the humerus can be linked to the profunda brachii or its collateral branches, emphasizing the artery’s broader role in the structural health of the arm bone. - Related terms: nutrient artery, humerus.
Clinical significance and variations
Clinical relevance - The deep brachial artery is a deeply situated vessel, and its course behind the humerus along the spiral groove places it at risk during midshaft humeral fractures or posterior approaches to the arm. Its integrity influences posterior arm function and the adequacy of collateral flow to the elbow when primary arterial supply is compromised. - Related terms: humerus fracture, spiral groove.
Trauma and surgery - In trauma surgery, knowledge of the profunda brachii’s path assists in bleeding control and nerve preservation, particularly in injuries involving the humerus and the posterior arm. For reconstructive and vascular procedures around the elbow, the artery’s collateral connections help maintain distal perfusion when injuries affect the main brachial axis. - Related terms: elbow, brachial artery, radial artery, ulnar artery.
Clinical implications of collateral circulation - The radial collateral and middle collateral branches’ anastomoses around the elbow illustrate the limb’s built-in redundancy. This redundancy is clinically meaningful in cases of proximal arterial disease or vascular injury, where collateral pathways can sustain perfusion to the distal limb. - Related terms: radial collateral artery, middle collateral artery, radial recurrent artery, elbow.
Variations and their implications - Variations in origin, branching pattern, and the presence of additional muscular branches can influence surgical planning and radiologic interpretation. Clinicians should consider that the deep brachial system may differ among patients, affecting approaches to the upper arm and elbow. - Related terms: axillary artery, brachial artery.