Profunda Brachii Artery (Deep Artery of Arm)

Topic Overview

Profunda Brachii Artery (Deep Artery of Arm)

Introduction

• Also called Deep artery of the arm or Superior profunda artery.

• It is the largest branch of the brachial artery.

• Chief arterial supply to the posterior (extensor) compartment of the arm.

• Provides an important collateral channel around the elbow joint.

Origin

• From the posterior surface of the brachial artery, just below the lower border of teres major (upper third of arm).

Course

1. Immediately accompanies the radial nerve.

2. Enters the spiral (radial) groove on posterior humerus.

3. Runs obliquely downward and laterally between the long and medial heads of triceps.

4. Pierces the lateral intermuscular septum with the radial nerve.

5. Ends by dividing into two terminal branches in the lower arm:

   • Radial collateral artery (anterior branch)

   • Middle collateral artery (posterior branch)

Branches and Distribution

1. Muscular Branches

• To all three heads of triceps brachii and anconeus.

2. Nutrient Branch

• To humerus (sometimes from main trunk, sometimes from its muscular branch).

3. Deltoid (Ascending) Branch

• Small twig that anastomoses with posterior circumflex humeral artery near the shoulder.

4. Terminal Branches

Relations

• Companion nerve: Radial nerve throughout its course in spiral groove.

• Companion veins: Two venae comitantes draining into brachial veins.

Clinical Anatomy

• Collateral circulation around elbow:

  • Profunda brachii provides both radial collateral and middle collateral branches that communicate with recurrent arteries below the elbow.

  • Maintains blood flow when the brachial artery is ligated or obstructed.

• Surgical relevance:

  • Must be protected during posterior approach to humeral shaft or fixation of mid-shaft fractures, as it lies with the radial nerve in the groove.

• Aneurysm / laceration:

  • Rare but may occur with humeral fractures → can lead to bleeding or pseudo-aneurysm in posterior arm.