Audio LecturePro Feature Profunda Brachii Artery (Deep Brachial) 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The profunda brachii artery (deep brachial artery) is an artery of the upper arm. It supplies the humeral shaft and the muscles of the posterior compartment of the arm. 3D ModelPro Feature 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 Course The profunda brachii arises from the brachial artery at the level of the inferior border of the teres major. It first passes posteriorly between the long and medial heads of the triceps. Accompanied by the radial nerve, the profunda brachii enters the posterior compartment of the arm through the triangular interval. It curves around the humerus within the spiral groove, providing muscular branches to the triceps brachii muscle. At the inferior border of the latissimus dorsi, the profunda brachii divides into two vessels (middle collateral artery and radial collateral artery which form an anastomotic network around the elbow. Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 1Anatomical course of the deep brachial artery By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The anatomical course and major branches of the brachial artery. Note its relation to the median nerve as it descends the arm. Dissection AtlasPro Feature Prosection of the muscles of the posterior shoulder and upper arm, demonstrating the quadrangular space. Prosection of the muscles of the posterior shoulder and upper arm, demonstrating the quadrangular space. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More In gratitude to our body donorsLearn more In gratitude to our body donors We are deeply grateful to the individuals who chose to donate their bodies for the advancement of medical education. Their generosity makes these images possible and provides students and healthcare professionals with an invaluable opportunity to study human anatomy. We recognise the profound contribution made by each donor and their families, and we use these images with the dignity and respect their gift deserves. Acknowledge Supply The profunda brachii artery contributes to the blood supply of the following structures: Shoulder – deltoid Posterior arm – triceps brachii Proxima forearm – anconeus, brachialis, brachioradialis Intermuscular septum Frequent questions What is the profunda brachii artery? The profunda brachii artery, also known as the deep brachial artery, is a major artery in the upper arm that supplies blood to the humeral shaft and the muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm. Where does the profunda brachii artery originate? The profunda brachii artery arises from the brachial artery at the inferior border of the teres major muscle, marking its entry into the upper arm. What structures are supplied by the profunda brachii artery? This artery supplies several structures, including the deltoid muscle at the shoulder, the triceps brachii in the posterior arm, and muscles in the proximal forearm such as the anconeus and brachialis. How does the profunda brachii artery course through the arm? The profunda brachii artery travels posteriorly between the long and medial heads of the triceps, accompanied by the radial nerve, and curves around the humerus within the spiral groove. What is the clinical significance of the profunda brachii artery? The profunda brachii artery is clinically significant as it forms anastomoses around the elbow through its branches, the middle collateral artery and radial collateral artery, which are important for collateral circulation in the arm. Rate This Article