Neurovascular Supply of the Upper Limb

Question 1

What are the arteries of the upper limb?

Answer 1

Subclavian
Axillary
Brachial
Radial/ulnar
Palmar arches and digital branches

Question 2

Where does each artery in the upper limb become the next?

Answer 2

• Subclavian artery becomes axillary artery at lateral border of the first rib
• Becomes brachial artery at teres major
• Brachial artery splits into radial and ulnar branches
• Anastomose so that blood supply is constant regardless of position of forearm

Question 3

Which arteries branch off of the brachial artery?

Answer 3

Circumflex humeral artery (anterior and posterior)
Deep artery of the arm (profunda brachii)
Superior ulnar collateral artery
Inferior ulnar collateral artery
Radial collateral artery