Variation in Branching Pattern of Brachial Artery

Introduction: The brachial artery (BA) provides main arterial supply to the arm. It begins as the continuation of 3rd part of the axillary artery, at the level of inferior border of teres major muscle. It ends at the level of the neck of radius by dividing into radial arteries (RAs) and ulnar arteries (UAs). We tried to find variation in the branching pattern of BA of the artery. Aim: The aim of this study is to discuss variations in branching pattern of BA and also their embryological and clinical significances. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 upper limbs from the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh. Results: In this study, we observed higher division of BA into RA and UA above the elbow joint in 4 cases. UA was seen trifurcated at the lower border of pronator teres in cubital fossa in 3 cases. Superior ulnar collateral artery arose from UA in 2 cases, and inferior ulnar collateral artery was absent in 4 cases. Conclusions: The knowledge of variation in origin and course of BA is useful for orthopedicians, physicians, radiologist, vascular, and plastic surgeons. Variation in branching pattern of arteries of the upper limb has diagnostic and interventional significance.