Which of the following statements about the brachial artery is false: it travels through the anterior compartment of the arm, it gives off the deep artery (profunda brachii artery) of the arm to the posterior compartment of the arm, it begins at the inferior border of the teres minor muscle as a continuation of the axillary artery, or it terminates at the level of the radial head by bifurcating into the radial artery and the ulnar artery?

Brachial Artery Anatomy: Identifying the False Statement

The statement "It begins at the inferior border of the teres minor muscle as a continuation of the axillary artery" is FALSE. The brachial artery begins at the inferior border of the teres major muscle (not teres minor) as a continuation of the axillary artery 1.

Correct Anatomical Facts About the Brachial Artery

The brachial artery has several key anatomical characteristics:

1. Origin and Course:

   • Begins at the inferior border of the teres major muscle (not teres minor)
   • Continues from the axillary artery
   • Travels through the anterior compartment of the arm 1

2. Branching:

   • Gives off the deep artery of the arm (profunda brachii artery) to the posterior compartment of the arm 2, 1
   • The profunda brachii artery typically accompanies the radial nerve through the spiral groove of the humerus

3. Termination:

   • Terminates at the level of the radial head by bifurcating into the radial artery and the ulnar artery 1
   • This bifurcation typically occurs in the cubital fossa, approximately 1 cm distal to the elbow joint 3

Clinical Significance of Brachial Artery Anatomy

Understanding the correct anatomy of the brachial artery is crucial for:

• Vascular Access: The brachial artery is commonly used for arterial blood sampling and blood pressure measurement 1
• Ultrasound Assessment: For flow-mediated dilation studies, the brachial artery is imaged above the antecubital fossa in the longitudinal plane 2
• Surgical Procedures: Accurate knowledge prevents iatrogenic injuries during surgical interventions in the arm

Anatomical Variations of the Brachial Artery

Variations in brachial artery anatomy occur in approximately 20% of cases 3:

• High Bifurcation: The brachial artery may divide into radial and ulnar arteries in the arm rather than at the cubital fossa
• Superficial Brachial Artery: An additional branch that runs superficially in the arm
• Accessory Branches: Additional branches may arise from the main trunk

These variations are important to recognize during vascular procedures, catheterization, and surgical interventions to avoid complications.

Imaging Considerations

For proper ultrasound assessment of the brachial artery:

• Longitudinal imaging is preferred over cross-sectional imaging for accurate diameter measurement 2, 1
• Clear visualization of both near and far wall lumen-intima boundaries indicates proper imaging plane 1
• The artery is typically imaged above the antecubital fossa 2

Understanding these anatomical details is essential for accurate clinical assessment, vascular access procedures, and surgical interventions involving the upper limb.