Structure of the Brachial Artery

The brachial artery is a continuation of the axillary artery and begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle. It runs down the medial side of the arm and terminates near the elbow, where it divides into the radial and ulnar arteries.

Function of the Brachial Artery

The primary function of the brachial artery is to deliver oxygenated blood to the muscles and tissues of the arm. It also plays a crucial role in measuring blood pressure, as the pressure in the brachial artery is commonly used as an indicator of overall systemic blood pressure.

Study Guide

To understand the brachial artery, it's important to study the following aspects:

Anatomy: Learn about the origin, course, and branches of the brachial artery.
Function: Understand the role of the brachial artery in supplying blood to the arm and its significance in measuring blood pressure.
Clinical relevance: Explore how the brachial artery is utilized in medical procedures such as blood pressure measurement and arterial blood gas sampling.
Comparative anatomy: Compare the structure and function of the brachial artery with other major arteries in the body.