Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery, Posterior View

Description

Arising from the brachial artery in the proximal arm, the superior ulnar collateral artery tracks distally along the medial side of the humerus and then swings posteriorly toward the elbow. A posterior perspective places it behind the distal humerus near the medial epicondyle, where it courses in the interval between the medial head of triceps brachii and the brachialis, with the ulna lying medial to the radius in the forearm. Superficial veins, including the basilic vein medially and the cephalic vein laterally, frame the deeper arterial tree as the brachial artery continues to its bifurcation into the radial and ulnar arteries in the cubital region. Bone landmarks, from the humeral shaft to the olecranon region and proximal forearm, anchor the vessel’s trajectory. Posterior elbow collateral circulation matters when the brachial artery is compromised or clamped, and the superior ulnar collateral artery is a key contributor to periarticular anastomoses around the medial elbow. Its distal connections with the posterior ulnar recurrent artery help maintain perfusion across elbow flexion and extension, and they become clinically relevant in supracondylar and distal humeral fractures, as well as during open reduction and internal fixation where medial dissection risks vascular and ulnar nerve proximity. Small vessel. Big consequence. This artwork supports upper limb anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and surgical anatomy courses, and it fits cleanly into chapters on the brachial artery, elbow anastomoses, and vascular supply of the distal arm and proximal forearm. It also serves as a reference figure for orthopedic trauma, hand and upper extremity surgery, and interventional discussions of collateral flow when interpreting angiography or planning revascularization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.