Blood Supply of the Upper Limbs

The main arteries of the upper limbs can be summarized as:

  1. Axillary artery

    • This artery originates from the subclavian artery and continues as the brachial artery at the inferior border of the teres major muscle. It also gives off the following branches:

      • Superior thoracic

      • Thoracoacromial

      • Lateral thoracic

      • Subscapular

      • Anterior and posterior circumflex humeral

  2. Brachial artery

    • This artery is the continuation of the axillary artery and continues as the radial and ulnar arteries. It gives off the following branch:

      • Profunda brachii

  3. Radial artery

    • This artery is the continuation of the brachial artery and it continues to form the superficial and deep palmar arches also with the ulnar artery.

  4. Ulnar artery

    • This artery is the continuation of the brachial artery and it continues to form the superficial and deep palmar arches also with the radial artery.

Clinical Notes:

  1. On the axillary artery:

    • an anastomoses occurs between the subclavian and axillary arteries which is important as it allows bypass of the second part of the axillary artery to ensure adequate blood supply to the arm regardless of its position.

  2. On the brachial artery:

    • Pressing down on the region midway between the medial arm, in between the biceps and triceps muscles allows measuring of blood pressure via the brachial artery.

  3. On the radial artery:

    • Pressing down on the wrist lateral to flexor carpi radialis is the point at which radial pulse is felt.

  4. On the ulnar artery:

    • Pressing down on the wrist lateral to flexor carpi ulnaris is the point at which ulnar pulse is felt.

Venous Drainage

The venous drainage of the upper limbs can be summarized as:

  1. Cephalic vein

    • This vein receives tributaries from the venous network of the hand

    • This vein partly continues as the median cubital vein (branch) which then drains into the basilic vein

  2. Basilic vein

    • This vein receives tributaries from the venous network of the hand

    • This vein receives tributaries from the median cubital vein

  3. Deep veins

    • Deep veins accompany major arteries to drain related areas

Clinical Notes:

  1. The median cubital vein is used to draw blood, intravenous injections, and blood transfusions.