Median Nerve Artery

arteria comitans nervi mediani

The median nerve artery (arteria comitans nervi mediani) is a small vessel accompanying the median nerve from the axilla or upper arm, arising from the brachial or anterior interosseous artery and providing the intrinsic blood supply to the median nerve. It is a persisting embryological vessel that in rare cases remains as the dominant forearm artery (persistent median artery).

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

A persistent median artery, present in approximately 20% of modern populations (an increasing incidence), may be identified on ultrasound or CT angiography as an additional forearm vessel running with the median nerve. It can be a source of forearm aneurysm, thrombosis causing median nerve compression, or a valuable additional vessel for digital replantation. In carpal tunnel release, an anomalous persistent median artery in the carpal tunnel must be identified to avoid inadvertent division.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Persistent Median Artery Thrombosis

Thrombosis of an anomalous persistent median artery within the carpal tunnel producing acute median nerve compression and carpal tunnel syndrome, requiring urgent decompression and vessel management.