Inferior ulnar collateral artery
Arteria collateralis ulnaris inferior
Definition
The inferior ulnar collateral artery is a branch of the brachial artery that arises from its medial aspect approximately 5 cm above the medial epicondyle of the humerus. It courses distally and medially, passing between the median nerve and the brachialis muscle, then pierces the medial intermuscular septum to wind around the back of the humerus.
Origin and Course
The inferior ulnar collateral artery originates from the brachial artery in the distal third of the arm. It descends on the surface of the brachialis muscle, accompanied by the ulnar nerve, and passes posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
Branches and Anastomoses
The artery divides into an anterior branch and a posterior branch:
The anterior branch passes in front of the medial epicondyle, deep to the pronator teres, and anastomoses with the anterior ulnar recurrent artery.
The posterior branch passes behind the medial epicondyle and anastomoses with the superior ulnar collateral artery and the posterior ulnar recurrent artery, contributing to the arterial anastomosis around the elbow joint.
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