Radial collateral artery

Radial collateral artery is an artery in the human body that originates from the deep brachial artery and supplies blood to the elbow joint. The term "radial collateral artery" is derived from the Latin words "radius" meaning spoke of a wheel, and "collateralis" meaning side by side. This artery is closely related to the radial artery, which is a major artery in the forearm.

Anatomy

The radial collateral artery is a branch of the deep brachial artery. It descends in the radial groove, supplying blood to the triceps brachii muscle and anastomosing with the inferior ulnar collateral artery and the recurrent radial artery.

Function

The primary function of the radial collateral artery is to supply blood to the elbow joint. It does this by anastomosing with the recurrent radial artery and the inferior ulnar collateral artery. This network of arteries ensures that the elbow joint receives a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood.

Clinical significance

In medical practice, the radial collateral artery is important in the context of elbow injuries and surgeries. Its location and the network of arteries it connects with can be affected by trauma to the elbow, potentially leading to compromised blood supply to the elbow joint. In surgical procedures involving the elbow, care must be taken to avoid damaging the radial collateral artery and its associated network of arteries.

See also

• Deep brachial artery
• Inferior ulnar collateral artery
• Recurrent radial artery
• Triceps brachii muscle

References

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the radial collateral artery

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  Histological slide of the radial collateral artery