Radial Collateral Artery, Anterior View

Description

Running along the lateral aspect of the distal arm, the radial collateral artery descends anterior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and participates in the periarticular anastomoses of the elbow. Proximally it continues from the profunda brachii artery, traveling in the lateral intermuscular septum with the radial nerve before approaching the cubital region. Distal to the elbow, the radial artery courses along the anterolateral forearm toward the wrist, while the ulnar artery remains more medial, and paired venae comitantes accompany the named arteries. Bony landmarks include the scapula, humeral shaft, radius, ulna, and the carpal and metacarpal skeleton that frames the palmar arch territory. Anterior orientation matters here because it clarifies how collateral flow reaches the radial recurrent artery around the lateral elbow, a frequent teaching point when explaining why distal perfusion can persist after proximal brachial artery compromise. Lateral epicondylar exposure during fixation of distal humerus fractures, debridement, or approaches that split the extensor musculature risks injury to the radial collateral artery and its anastomotic partners, and the radial nerve lies close enough to make this corridor unforgiving. A key landmark. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and clinical anatomy labs to map the profunda brachii system into the radial collateral artery, then connect it to the elbow’s collateral network and distal radial artery course for pulse palpation and transradial access discussions. It also fits operative atlases, interventional radiology primers, and patient education materials on arterial injury and collateral circulation of the upper limb. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.