Definition

1. Noun:
   • The main artery of the upper arm: The brachial artery is the primary blood vessel supplying the upper arm. It is a direct continuation of the axillary artery and runs down the inner side of the arm.
   • Bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries: At the elbow, specifically in the cubital fossa, the brachial artery divides (bifurcates) into two smaller arteries: the radial artery and the ulnar artery, which continue down the forearm.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pulse is often taken at the brachial artery.
  • A blockage in the brachial artery can reduce blood flow to the hand.
  • During the surgery, the surgeon carefully clamped the brachial artery.

Advanced Usage

• "Palpate the brachial artery": To feel or press on the artery, usually to find a pulse or assess blood flow.
  • The nurse will palpate your brachial artery to measure your blood pressure.
• "Brachial artery injury": Refers to damage or trauma to this specific artery.
  • The fracture was complicated by a brachial artery injury.

Variants and Related Words

• Brachial (adj): Pertaining to the arm, especially the upper arm.
  • The brachial plexus is a network of nerves in the shoulder.
• Artery (n): A blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Synonyms

• Main arm artery: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its primary role in the arm's vasculature.

Related Phrases

• Brachial pulse: The pulse that can be felt over the brachial artery.
  • The brachial pulse is strong and regular.
• Brachial blood pressure: Blood pressure measured using the brachial artery, typically with a cuff on the upper arm.
  • The doctor recorded the brachial blood pressure as 120/80 mmHg.

Noun

1. the main artery of the upper arm; a continuation of the axillary artery; bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries at the elbow