Anatomical Variations in the Origin and Course of the Radial Artery: A Cadaveric Study
Keywords:
Radial artery; anatomical variation; high origin; brachial artery; axillary artery; cadaveric study; upper limbAbstract
Background: The radial artery is an important artery of the forearm and hand and usually arises from the brachial artery in the cubital
fossa. Variations in its origin and course are clinically relevant because of its frequent use in vascular and surgical procedures.
Objectives: To study variations in the origin and course of the radial artery in adult human cadavers and to assess their potential
clinical significance.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cadaveric study was conducted on 30 adult cadavers, comprising 60 upper limbs. Routine
anatomical dissection was performed to expose the brachial artery and trace the radial artery from its origin through the forearm. The
site of origin and course of the radial artery were examined and variations were documented.
Results: The radial artery showed the usual origin and course in 54 of 60 limbs (90.0%). Variations were observed in 6 limbs (10.0%).
A high origin from the brachial artery was observed in 3 limbs (5.0%), while origin directly from the axillary artery was noted in 1
limb (1.7%). A superficial course and tortuosity were each observed in 1 limb (1.7%).
Conclusion: Although the radial artery generally follows its classical anatomical pattern, variations in its origin and course may occur.
Recognition of these variations is important during anatomical dissection and has clinical relevance in arterial cannulation, transradial
coronary procedures and upper-limb surgery.
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