Brachial artery
Brachial Artery
The Brachial Artery (pronounced: bray-key-al ar-ter-ee) is a major blood vessel located in the upper arm. It is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the lower arm and hand.
Etymology
The term "brachial" is derived from the Greek word "brachion," which means arm. The term "artery" comes from the Greek word "arteria," which means air holder.
Anatomy
The brachial artery begins at the level of the terminologia anatomica, just below the shoulder. It runs down the inner side of the upper arm, parallel to the humerus bone. At the elbow, it splits into the radial artery and the ulnar artery, which supply blood to the lower arm and hand.
Clinical Significance
The brachial artery is often used in medical procedures and examinations. For example, it is the artery typically used to measure blood pressure. It can also be used for arterial blood gas sampling and for inserting a catheter for angiography.
Related Terms
- Arteries: Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
- Humerus: The bone of the upper arm or forelimb, forming joints at the shoulder and the elbow.
- Radial Artery: One of the major arteries in the forearm.
- Ulnar Artery: One of the major arteries in the forearm.
- Blood Pressure: The pressure of the blood in the circulatory system.
- Arterial Blood Gas: A test that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
- Catheter: A thin tube made from medical grade materials serving a broad range of functions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brachial artery
- Wikipedia's article - Brachial artery
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