Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery, Posterior View

Description

Arising from the brachial artery in the medial arm, the superior ulnar collateral artery tracks distally along the posteromedial aspect of the humerus toward the elbow, running in close company with the ulnar nerve as both pass posterior to the medial epicondyle. A posterior exposure brings the triceps brachii into context, with its medial head lying adjacent to the neurovascular bundle, while the tendon of triceps inserts on the olecranon posteriorly. The humeral shaft provides the deep landmark, and the surrounding fascia frames the artery as it contributes to the periarticular anastomosis around the elbow. This posterior relationship matters because the ulnar nerve and superior ulnar collateral artery sit in the operative corridor during cubital tunnel decompression, medial epicondylectomy, and posterior approaches to the distal humerus. Injury, cautery, or aggressive retraction in the ulnar groove can compromise the accompanying vasa nervorum and collateral flow, a practical concern when the brachial artery is occluded or when the radial recurrent and interosseous recurrent pathways must carry the load. Small structure, real consequence. Use this artwork in upper limb anatomy teaching on elbow collateral circulation, in surgical education materials describing ulnar nerve exposure and protection, or in medical publishing where a clean posterior arm map clarifies branches of the brachial artery beyond the main trunk. It also supports clinical handouts on cubital tunnel syndrome that need accurate vessel and nerve adjacency rather than a generic muscle view. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.