Upper Limb Arteries

Question 1

Arteries that make up scapular anastomosis

Answer 1

1.suprascapular artery
2. Transverse cervical artery
3. Circumflex scapular artery
4. Posterior intercostal arteries

Question 2

Importance of the scapular anastomosis

Answer 2

Connects the first part of the subclavian artery with the third part of the axillary artery. It forms collateral circulation to the upper limb if obstruction occurs between the two parts

Question 3

Axillary artery

Answer 3

O- continuation of subclavian artery at the outer border of first rib
T- lower border of Teres major to continue as brachial artery
B- 1,2,3 parts
1- superior thoracic artery
2- thoracoacromial artery(gives 4 branches ACPD) and lateral thoracic artery
3- anterior and posterior circumflex Humeral(form anastomosis around surgical neck), subscapular artery

Question 4

Brachial artery

Answer 4

O- continuation of axillary artery at lower border of Teres major
T- divides into radial and ulnar arteries opposite neck of radius
L- median nerve; lateral in upper part, crosses middle part, medial in cubital fossa
-in cubital fossa, medial to tendon of biceps. Can feel pulsation
B- Profunda brachii- gives ascending branch which anastomoses with descending branch of posterior circumflex humeral
- superior ulnar collateral
- inferior ulnar collateral
-muscular branches
- nutrient artery to humerus
Two terminal branches, ulnar and radial

Question 5

Landmarks of ulnar artery

Answer 5

1. Deep head of pronator Teres, separates the artery from the median nerve
2. Enters the hand in front of the flexor retinaculum

Question 6

Landmarks of radial artery

Answer 6

1.passes anatomical snuff box
2. Passes in front of the lower end of radius where we can feel its pulsation