High bifurcation of the unilateral brachial artery: an unusual variation

Abstract

Background: It is common to observe a high bifurcation of the brachial artery, with some variations being quite rare. Materials and methods: During routine dissection for medical teaching purposes, a unilateral high bifurcation of the brachial artery was noted on the left side of a female cadaver. Results: On the left arm, two branches of different sizes originate from the axillary artery, one on the radial side and the other on the ulnar side. These branches run down the arm, crossing each other, eventually becoming the forearm's radial and ulnar arteries. We also observed branches such as the posterior circumflex humeral artery, anterior circumflex humeral artery, and deep brachial artery. Conclusions: This case report adds to the existing body of knowledge about the variation of the brachial artery, which is of anatomical and clinical value. We report this case to highlight the unique variation in the arterial anatomy of the upper limb.