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. Blood Pressure Measurement: Anatomical Considerations 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. Frequent questions What is blood pressure measurement? Blood pressure measurement is the evaluation of arterial pressure in the systemic circulation, typically performed at the antecubital fossa of the upper limb using a cuff and stethoscope. Where is the brachial artery located during blood pressure measurement? The brachial artery is situated medial to the biceps tendon in the cubital fossa, making it accessible for accurate blood pressure assessment. How is blood pressure measured using a cuff and stethoscope? To measure blood pressure, a cuff is placed around the upper arm to compress the brachial artery, while a stethoscope is positioned over the artery to detect Korotkoff sounds during cuff deflation. What are Korotkoff sounds and what do they indicate? Korotkoff sounds are the audible sounds produced by turbulent blood flow in a partially occluded artery, with the first sound indicating systolic pressure and the last sound indicating diastolic pressure. Why is accurate identification of the brachial artery important in blood pressure measurement? Correct identification of the brachial artery is crucial because improper stethoscope placement can affect the relationship to the artery, leading to inaccurate blood pressure readings. Rate This Article