Arteries of upper limb

Question 1

Course of subclavian arteries

Answer 1

Cross lateral edge of 1st rib and enter axilla (become Axillary arteries)

Question 2

What do the Axillary arteries pass underneath in the axilla

Answer 2

Pectoralis minor

Question 3

What is the Axillary artery enclosed in

Answer 3

Axillary sheath

Question 4

Where do the circumflex humeral arteries branch off from the Axillary artery

Answer 4

At level of humeral surgical neck

Question 5

What is the largest branch of Axillary artery and where does it arise

Answer 5

Subscapular artery

Lower border of subscapularis and it follows inferior angle of scapula

Question 6

When does the Axillary artery terminate

Answer 6

Becomes brachial artery at level of teres major muscle

Question 7

How do Axillary artery aneurysms occur

Answer 7

atherosclerosis
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Trauma

Question 8

Consequences of Axillary artery aneurysm

Answer 8

Dilated portion of artery can compress brachial plexus, producing paraesthesia and muscle weakness

Question 9

Treatment of Axillary artery aneurysm

Answer 9

Surgery to:

Remove aneurysm
Reconstruct vessel wall

Question 10

Main source of blood for arm

Answer 10

Brachial artery

Question 11

Course of brachial artery

Answer 11

Descends down arm immediately posterior to median nerve

Crosses the cubital fossa underneath brachialis

Question 12

How does the brachial artery terminate

Answer 12

Bifurcates into radial and ulnar arteries at the apex of the cubital fossa

Question 13

Where does the profunda brachii/deep artery of arm arise

Answer 13

Branches off brachial artery immediately distal to teres major

Question 14

Course of deep artery of arm

Answer 14

Runs in radial groove down posterior surface of humerus

Question 15

How does deep artery of arm terminate

Answer 15

By contributing to a network of vessels at the elbow joint

Question 16

What does the deep artery of arm supply

Answer 16

Posterior arm i.e. Triceps brachii

Question 17

What does the radial artery supply

Answer 17

Posterior forearm
Thumb
Lateral side of index finger

Question 18

What does the ulnar artery supply

Answer 18

Anterior forearm
Medial 3 fingers
Medial side of index finger

Question 19

How do the ulnar and radial arteries terminate

Answer 19

They anastomose in the hand by forming the superficial and deep palmar arches

Question 20

Course of ulnar artery within hand

Answer 20

Moves into hand anterior to flexor retinaculum and lateral to ulnar nerve
Divides into superficial and deep palmar arches

Question 21

Location of superficial palmar arch

Answer 21

Anterior to flexor tendons in hand

Deep to palmar aponeurosis

Question 22

Course of superficial palmar arch

Answer 22

Arises from ulnar artery
Gives rise to common palmar digital arteries
Anastomoses with branch of radial artery

Question 23

Course of radial artery within hand

Answer 23

Enters hand dorsally, crossing floor of anatomical snuffbox
Turns medially and moves between heads of adductor pollicis
Anastomoses with deep palmar branch of ulnar artery

Question 24

What supplies digits

Answer 24

Superficial and deep palmar arches

Question 25

Where do the right and left subclavian arteries arise

Answer 25

Right - brachiocephalic trunk of aorta arch

Left - aorta arch

Question 26

What arteries supply posterior forearm

Answer 26

Anterior and posterior interosseus arteries which are branches of the ulnar artery