Superior ulnar collateral artery

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 21 Aug 2019

The superior ulnar collateral artery is a vessel arising from the brachial artery at the middle part of the arm.

Summary

Gross anatomy

Origin

The superior ulnar collateral artery arises medially from the brachial artery at approximately the middle part of the arm. It is joined by the distal aspect of the inferior ulnar collateral artery at the lower arm, when it then continues distally, passing posterior to the medial epicondyle along with the ulnar nerve 1.

Termination

After passing posterior to the medial epicondyle, an anastamoses is formed with the posterior ulnar recurrent artery near the medial aspect of the elbow joint, forming the periarticular arterial anastomosis of the elbow 1.

Arterial supply

The superior ulnar collateral artery provides the periarticular arterial anastamoses of the elbow. This constitutes part of the blood supply to the elbow joint 1.

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