Study of Variations in the Course of Brachial Artery: A Cadaveric Study

Background: Brachial artery begins as a continuation of axillary artery at the distal border of teres major, runs downward at first medial to the humerus and then inclines to lie in front of the bone until it appears in the cubital fossa, where it ends at the level of the neck of radius by dividing into radial and ulnar arteries. Objectives: To know the variations in the course of brachial artery. Methods: Dissection was done on 40 upper limbs from embalmed adult human cadavers in the Department of Anatomy, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally. Dissection of Brachial artery was carried out according to Cunningham’s manual of practical anatomy. Results: In all 40 specimens (100%), the brachial artery begins at the inferior border of the teres major muscle as the continuation of the axillary artery. In 37 specimens (92.5%), single brachial artery (BA) was present in the arm. It runs inferiorly on the medial side of the biceps brachii muscle to the cubital fossa. It divides into the radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) opposite the neck of radius at elbow. In 3 specimens (7.5%), doubling of the brachial artery in its course was observed. In these specimens, the brachial artery was divided into two divisions in the arm. Both divisions runs inferiorly on the medial side of the biceps brachii muscle to the cubital fossa. In these two divisions, one lies superficial to the median nerve and was called the superficial brachial artery (SBA) and other division continues as the brachial artery proper (BAP). In all these 3 specimens (7.5%), the superficial brachial artery (SBA) continued as the radial artery (RA) and brachial artery proper (BAP) continued as the ulnar artery (UA) in the cubital fossa. Interpretation and Conclusion: The present study is important for Surgeons, Orthopedicians, Vascular surgeons, Clinicians and Anatomists as it provides the knowledge of variations in the course of brachial artery in the arm and cubital fossa.

Study Of Variation In Course Of Radial Nerve In Axilla And Posterior Compartment Of Arm

Background: Radial nerve is the continuation of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus in the Axilla. It is thenerve of extensor compartment of upper limb.Objectives: To know the course, and variations of radial nerve in the axilla, lower triangular space and posteriorcompartment of the armMethods : Dissection was done on 44 upper limbs from embalmed cadavers and 6 upper limbs from embalmeddead fetuses in the Department of Anatomy, J J M Medical College, Davangere. Dissection of Radial nerve and itsbranches in the axilla and posterior compartment of the arm was carried out according to Cunningham’s manualof practical anatomy.Results : In the present study, out of 50 specimens, Radial nerve(RN) originated from the posterior cord ofbrachial plexus at axilla, lies posterior to third part of axillary artery, descends behind the proximal part ofbrachial artery , passes through lower triangular space(LTS) and radial groove and accompanies the profundabrachii artery in 50 specimens(100%). 22 specimens (44%) showed high division of Radial nerve(RN) in to twodivisions at axilla and lower triangular space (LTS). The relation between two high divisions of Radial nerve(RND) was anterior & posterior or medial & lateral .In all cases (100%), either anterior or lateral divisioncontinues as radial nerve in to anterior compartment of arm.Interpretation &Conclusion :The present study is important for Surgeons, Orthopedicians, and Neurophysiciansas it provides the knowledge of course of radial nerve in axilla and posterior compartment of arm to preventpossible complications.