Label the arteries of the upper limb – Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the arterial anatomy of the upper limb, a captivating journey through the intricate network of vessels that nourish and sustain this vital region. This guide delves into the intricacies of arterial supply, tracing the pathways of major arteries, their branches, and their clinical significance.

As we delve deeper into the arterial anatomy of the upper limb, we will unravel the complexities of the subclavian, axillary, brachial, radial, and ulnar arteries. Along the way, we will encounter arterial anastomoses, crucial connections that ensure uninterrupted blood flow in the face of blockages.

Arterial Anatomy of the Upper Limb

The arterial supply of the upper limb originates from the subclavian artery, which arises from the aortic arch. The subclavian artery enters the axilla and becomes the axillary artery. The axillary artery gives off several branches, including the superior thoracic artery, the thoracoacromial artery, and the lateral thoracic artery.The

axillary artery continues into the arm as the brachial artery. The brachial artery gives off several branches, including the profunda brachii artery, the radial collateral artery, and the ulnar collateral artery. The brachial artery terminates at the elbow joint, where it divides into the radial artery and the ulnar artery.The

radial artery courses along the radial side of the forearm and gives off several branches, including the radial recurrent artery, the palmar carpal branch, and the superficial palmar arch. The ulnar artery courses along the ulnar side of the forearm and gives off several branches, including the ulnar recurrent artery, the common interosseous artery, and the deep palmar arch.The

superficial palmar arch and the deep palmar arch anastomose to form a network of arteries that supply the hand. The palmar digital arteries arise from the superficial palmar arch and supply the fingers. The dorsal digital arteries arise from the dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery and supply the dorsum of the hand.

Subclavian Artery

The subclavian artery is a major artery that supplies blood to the upper limb. It arises from the aortic arch on the left side and from the brachiocephalic trunk on the right side. The subclavian artery runs through the superior mediastinum and enters the axilla, where it becomes the axillary artery.The

subclavian artery gives off several branches, including the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to the brain, and the internal thoracic artery, which supplies blood to the chest wall. The subclavian artery is also responsible for supplying blood to the upper limb through its branches, the axillary artery and the brachial artery.

Relationship to Surrounding Structures

The subclavian artery is located in close proximity to several important structures, including the trachea, the esophagus, and the brachial plexus. The subclavian artery is also located near the apex of the lung, and it can be compressed by the lung during deep inspiration.The

subclavian artery is an important artery that supplies blood to the upper limb. It is located in close proximity to several important structures, and it can be compressed by the lung during deep inspiration.

Axillary Artery

The axillary artery is the continuation of the subclavian artery beyond the outer border of the first rib. It extends inferiorly through the axilla to the inferior border of the teres major muscle, where it becomes the brachial artery. The axillary artery is accompanied by the axillary vein and the axillary nerve.The

axillary artery gives off several branches, including the superior thoracic artery, the thoracoacromial artery, the lateral thoracic artery, and the subscapular artery. These branches supply blood to the chest wall, shoulder, and back.

Formation of the Brachial Artery

The brachial artery is formed by the continuation of the axillary artery beyond the inferior border of the teres major muscle. It extends inferiorly through the arm to the cubital fossa, where it divides into the radial and ulnar arteries.

The brachial artery is accompanied by the brachial vein and the median nerve.

Brachial Artery: Label The Arteries Of The Upper Limb

The brachial artery is a major artery in the upper limb that supplies oxygenated blood to the forearm and hand. It is the continuation of the axillary artery, which begins at the lateral border of the first rib. The brachial artery runs along the medial aspect of the arm, deep to the biceps brachii muscle.

Course

The brachial artery begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle and ends at the elbow joint, where it divides into the radial and ulnar arteries. In its course, the brachial artery gives off several branches, including the profunda brachii artery, the superior ulnar collateral artery, and the inferior ulnar collateral artery.

Branches

*

-*Profunda brachii artery

The profunda brachii artery arises from the brachial artery just below the teres major muscle. It runs posteriorly and laterally, supplying the muscles of the posterior arm.

• -*Superior ulnar collateral artery

  The superior ulnar collateral artery arises from the brachial artery just above the elbow joint. It runs medially and anastomoses with the inferior ulnar collateral artery to form the ulnar artery.

-*Inferior ulnar collateral artery

The inferior ulnar collateral artery arises from the brachial artery just below the elbow joint. It runs medially and anastomoses with the superior ulnar collateral artery to form the ulnar artery.

Variations

The brachial artery is subject to several variations. In some cases, the brachial artery may divide into the radial and ulnar arteries higher up in the arm. In other cases, the brachial artery may give off an additional branch, such as the median artery.

Clinical Significance

The brachial artery is an important artery for clinical examination. The pulse of the brachial artery can be felt at the medial aspect of the elbow joint. The brachial artery is also used for blood pressure measurement and for arterial catheterization.

Radial and Ulnar Arteries

The radial and ulnar arteries are the terminal branches of the brachial artery, supplying blood to the forearm and hand.

Course and Branches

The radial artery arises laterally and courses along the lateral border of the forearm, passing deep to the brachioradialis muscle. It then continues along the lateral side of the wrist and enters the hand through the anatomical snuffbox. In the hand, it gives off the superficial palmar branch, which supplies the lateral aspect of the palm, and the princeps pollicis artery, which supplies the thumb.The

ulnar artery arises medially and courses along the medial border of the forearm, passing deep to the pronator teres muscle. It then continues along the medial side of the wrist and enters the hand through Guyon’s canal. In the hand, it gives off the deep palmar branch, which supplies the medial aspect of the palm, and the dorsal carpal branch, which supplies the back of the hand.

Distribution, Label the arteries of the upper limb

The radial and ulnar arteries supply different regions of the hand. The radial artery supplies the lateral aspect of the hand, including the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The ulnar artery supplies the medial aspect of the hand, including the little finger and half of the ring finger.The

radial artery is generally considered to be the more important of the two arteries, as it supplies the thumb and index finger, which are essential for fine motor skills. The ulnar artery, on the other hand, is more vulnerable to injury, as it passes through Guyon’s canal, which is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments.

Arterial Anastomoses of the Upper Limb

Arterial anastomoses are connections between arteries that allow blood to flow around a blockage or obstruction. In the upper limb, there are several important arterial anastomoses that play a vital role in maintaining blood supply to the hand and forearm.

Major Arterial Anastomoses

The major arterial anastomoses in the upper limb include:

• Superficial palmar arch: This anastomosis connects the radial and ulnar arteries in the palm of the hand.
• Deep palmar arch: This anastomosis connects the radial and ulnar arteries deep within the palm of the hand.
• Artery of Adamkiewicz: This anastomosis connects the subclavian and vertebral arteries in the neck.
• Thoracoacromial anastomosis: This anastomosis connects the axillary and subclavian arteries.

Clinical Implications

The arterial anastomoses of the upper limb have several important clinical implications:

• Collateral circulation: In the event of a blockage or obstruction in one of the major arteries of the upper limb, the arterial anastomoses allow blood to flow around the blockage and maintain blood supply to the hand and forearm.
• Surgical procedures: Surgeons can use the arterial anastomoses to bypass blocked or damaged arteries during surgical procedures.

li> Diagnosis: The arterial anastomoses can be used to diagnose arterial blockages or obstructions by injecting a contrast agent into one of the arteries and observing the flow of blood through the anastomoses.

FAQs

What are the major arteries that supply the upper limb?

The major arteries that supply the upper limb include the subclavian, axillary, brachial, radial, and ulnar arteries.

What is the clinical significance of the brachial artery?

The brachial artery is clinically significant as it is commonly used for blood pressure measurement and arterial line placement.