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Complex neurovascular variation in one upper limb
Ziad M Bataineh1, Saleh M Al-Hussain, Satei T Moqattash
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. ziad@just.edu.jo
Multiple arterial variations in a single upper limb were observed, including superficial brachial artery continuation as the radial artery and deep brachial artery as the ulnar artery. The median artery originated from the ulnar artery, forming princeps pollicis and radialis indicis arteries.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Human Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- Variations in upper limb arterial patterns are common during anatomical dissections.
- However, encountering multiple arterial variations within a single limb is rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and describe a unique case of multiple arterial variations in a single human upper limb.
- To highlight the anatomical significance of these variations for clinical and surgical practice.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of a left amputated upper limb from a female cadaver.
- Detailed observation and documentation of arterial and nerve variations below the intercondyler line.
Main Results:
- The superficial brachial artery continued as the radial artery.
- The deep brachial artery persisted as the ulnar artery, originating the median artery.
- The median artery supplied the princeps pollicis and radialis indicis arteries.
- The median nerve looped around the median artery before bifurcating.
Conclusions:
- This case presents a rare confluence of multiple arterial variations in one upper limb.
- Understanding such variations is crucial for surgeons and clinicians to avoid complications during procedures involving the upper limb vasculature and nerves.
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