Nutrient arteries of humerus
Arteriae nutriciae humeri
- Latin synonym: Arteriae nutrientes humeri
- Synonym: Humeral nutrient arteries
- Related terms: Humeral nutrient arteries
Definition
The nutrient arteries of the humerus are the principal vessels responsible for supplying blood to the humeral diaphysis (shaft). They enter the bone through one or more nutrient foramina and represent the major source of endosteal blood supply to the cortex and medullary cavity.
The primary nutrient artery of the humerus typically originates as a short ascending branch from the brachial artery or from the deep brachial artery, arising below the level of the nutrient foramen. It ascends along the periosteum and forms a characteristic hairpin loop before entering the nutrient foramen on the anteromedial surface of the humeral shaft. The nutrient canal penetrates the cortical bone in a distal direction (toward the elbow) in virtually all cases (99.8%).
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