The Profunda Brachii Artery

This is the largest branch of the brachial artery, and has the most superior origin. It accompanies the radial nerve in its posterior course in the radial groove. Posterior to the humerus, the profunda brachii artery (or deep brachial artery) divides into anterior and posterior ascending branches. These help form the arterial anastomoses of the elbow region.

Branches.The branches of the brachial artery are: Profunda Brachii. Superior Ulnar Collateral. Nutrient. Inferior Ulnar Collateral.

The Profunda Brachii Artery

This artery begins at the inferior border of the teres major muscle as the continuation of the axillary artery. It runs inferiorly and slightly laterally on the medial side of the biceps brachii muscle to the cubital fossa, where it ends opposite the neck of the radius. It is superficial and palpable throughout its whole length. At first it lies medial to the humerus and then anterior to it. It lies anterior to the triceps brachii and brachialis muscles, and is overlapped by the biceps brachii and coracobrachialis muscles. It accompanies the median nerve, which crosses it anteriorly at the middle of the arm. Under the cover of the bicipital aponeurosis, the brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries. The brachial artery gives rise to many unnamed muscular branches, mainly from its lateral side. The named branches of the brachial artery are the profunda brachii artery, the nutrient humeral artery, and the ulnar collateral arteries (superior and inferior).

The Brachialis Muscle

The brachial artery is continuation of the axillary artery, it descends along the medial side of the humerus,divides into the radial and ulnar arteries at the level of the neck of radius.

This is a flattened, fusiform muscle that lies posterior to the biceps brachii. Proximal attachments are: distal half of anterior surface of humerus. Distal attachments are: coronoid process and tuberosity of ulna. Innervation: musculocutaneous nerve (C5 and C6) The strong brachialis is the main flexor of the forearm. It flexed the forearm in all positions and in slow or quick movements. When the forearm is being extended slowly, the brachialis steadies the movement by slowly relaxing. It always contracts during flexion of the elbow joint and is primarily responsible for maintaining flexion. Because of this, it is the workhorse among the flexor muscles if the elbow joint.