Arterial Variation: Higher Bifurcation of the Brachial Artery into Radial and Ulnar Arteries in the Arm of a Male Corpse

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe a morphological variation of the bifurcation of the brachial artery, which was located at a higher level in the right arm of a male corpse. This variation was found during a dissection process performed at the anatomy laboratory of the Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by graduates in medicine during a course of dissection conducted by the Academic League of Human Anatomy of the institution. The brachial artery was located medial in the arm, as usual, but its bifurcation into the radial and ulnar arteries happened prematurely, midway down the diaphysis. The morphological variation has previously been described by other authors; its occurrence is not well established yet, since there are articles that say it is common, and others that say it is rare. The implication of this morphological variation in medical practice is related to the measure of blood pressure in the arm; this higher bifurcation of the brachial artery can be confusing for the health provider measuring the blood pressure of a patient. This article describes a morphological variation and hopes to help to elucidate its patterns.

Keywords

anatomic variation - brachial artery - bifurcation - upper limb

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