Blood pressure measurement is the assessment of arterial pressure within the systemic circulation. It is most commonly performed at the antecubital fossa of the upper limb – using a cuff placed around the upper arm and a stethoscope over the brachial artery. In this article, we will examine how blood pressure measurement is performed, and how this relates to the course and surface anatomy of the brachial artery. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Brachial Artery Anatomy The principal structure involved in blood pressure measurement is the brachial artery. To understand how blood pressure is measured, we must first examine the anatomical course and surface anatomy of the brachial artery: Course and Relations The brachial artery is a continuation of the axillary artery distal to the lower border of teres major. It descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm within the anterior compartment. It then enters the cubital fossa, where it lies medial to the biceps brachii tendon and deep to the bicipital aponeurosis. At this point, the artery is relatively superficial and well supported by underlying structures. At the level of the neck of the radius, the brachial artery terminates by bifurcating into the radial and ulnar arteries. Surface Anatomy The brachial artery lies medial to the biceps tendon within the cubital fossa. The biceps tendon is easily palpable, making it a reliable landmark for identifying the position of the brachial artery during blood pressure measurement. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The anatomical course and major branches of the brachial artery. Note its relation to the median nerve as it descends the arm. Technique of Blood Pressure Measurement To manually measure blood pressure, a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope are required. The cuff is placed around the upper arm, compressing the brachial artery against the humerus. The stethoscope is positioned over the artery in the cubital fossa, medial to the biceps tendon. As the cuff is inflated, arterial flow is occluded. During gradual deflation, blood flows through the partially compressed brachial artery – producing turbulent flow and generating Korotkoff sounds (audible sounds produced by turbulent blood flow within a partially occluded artery): Systolic pressure – indicated by the first appearance of Korotkoff sounds Diastolic pressure – indicated by the disappearance of Korotkoff sounds Accurate measurement depends on correct identification of the brachial artery. Incorrect stethoscope placement alters its relationship to the vessel and may result in inaccurate readings. Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 2Manual blood pressure measuring, using a stethoscope placed on the medial aspect of the cubital fossa. Rate This Article