Brachial Artery Muscular Branches

rami musculares arteriae brachialis

The brachial artery gives multiple small muscular branches to the biceps, brachialis, coracobrachialis, and triceps as it descends the medial upper arm. These muscular branches form the nutritive arterial supply to the upper arm muscle compartments.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Brachial artery muscular branches must be controlled during anterior approaches to the humerus and elbow to prevent significant bleeding in the medial arm. In supracondylar humeral fractures in children, the brachial artery may be tethered by a displaced fracture fragment — the anterior interosseous artery sign — requiring fracture reduction to restore flow before considering vascular repair.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Brachial Artery Entrapment in Supracondylar Fracture

Brachial artery tethering or kinking by a displaced supracondylar fragment producing absent distal pulse that may restore after fracture reduction, requiring urgent reduction and vascular assessment before any surgical exploration.