Neurovascular Structures of the Anterior Arm

Question 1

Of which artery is the brachial artery a direct continuation?

Answer 1

The axillary artery

Question 2

Where does the brachial artery begin and end?

Answer 2

Begins at the lower border of teres major

Ends in the cubital fossa close to the neck of the radius

Question 3

What arteries does the brachial artery divide into?

Answer 3

Radial and ulnar arteries

Question 4

What is the course of the median nerve in the arm?

Answer 4

Arises in the axilla by two roots- one from the medial cord and one from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus
Descends along the lateral side of the axillary artery and upper part of brachial artery
Nerve crosses in middle part of arm to medial side of brachial artery and enters the cubital fossa

Question 5

What does the median nerve supply?

Answer 5

No muscles in arm

Instead supplies branches in the elbow

Question 6

What is the course of the ulnar nerve in the arm?

Answer 6

Arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus
Descends along medial side of brachial artery and then enters posterior compartment of arm through the medial intermuscular septum
Runs along medial head of triceps to the back of the medial epicondyle

Question 7

What does the ulnar nerve supply?

Answer 7

No muscles in arm

Instead supplies branches in the elbow

Question 8

What are the common sites of the humerus where nerves could be damaged due to fracture and what nerve would be affected by each?

Answer 8

Radial groove- radial nerve
Medial epicondyle- ulnar nerve
Surgical neck- axillary nerve