Medial collateral artery

Medial Collateral Artery is a blood vessel that is part of the circulatory system in the human body. It is a branch of the superior ulnar collateral artery and plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the elbow joint and surrounding tissues.

Etymology

The term "Medial Collateral Artery" is derived from the Latin words 'medius' meaning middle, 'collateralis' meaning side by side, and 'arteria' meaning windpipe or artery.

Anatomy

The Medial Collateral Artery originates from the superior ulnar collateral artery, which is a branch of the brachial artery. It travels down the arm, along the medial side of the biceps muscle, towards the elbow joint. Here, it forms an anastomosis (connection) with the inferior ulnar collateral artery and the anterior ulnar recurrent artery. This network of blood vessels ensures a continuous supply of blood to the elbow joint and surrounding tissues, even if one of the arteries is blocked or damaged.

Clinical Significance

The Medial Collateral Artery is of clinical significance due to its role in supplying blood to the elbow joint. Damage to this artery, such as through trauma or disease, can lead to reduced blood flow to the elbow, resulting in pain, swelling, and potentially tissue death. Furthermore, the artery's location makes it a potential site for arterial puncture and cannulation, procedures often performed in the medical field for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Related Terms

• Anastomosis: A connection or opening between two things, in this case, blood vessels, that are normally diverging or branching, such as blood vessels or leaf veins.
• Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery: A branch of the brachial artery that gives rise to the Medial Collateral Artery.
• Inferior Ulnar Collateral Artery: An artery that forms an anastomosis with the Medial Collateral Artery at the elbow joint.
• Anterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery: An artery that also forms an anastomosis with the Medial Collateral Artery at the elbow joint.

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the medial collateral artery