The Medial Collateral Artery is Not Medial

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• The middle collateral artery (MCA) is frequently referred to as the "medial" collateral artery in current literature.
• This non-standard terminology may cause confusion in medical education and interdisciplinary communication due to the artery's actual anatomical position.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide anatomical and historical evidence supporting the original terminology of "middle collateral artery."
• To address the potential misunderstandings caused by the misnomer "medial" collateral artery.

Main Methods:

• A 300-year historical review of anatomical texts concerning MCA nomenclature.
• Cadaveric dissection of the MCA in three specimens, demonstrating its vascular contribution to pedicled flaps.
• Computed tomography (CT) imaging with 3D reconstruction of three additional specimens following barium sulfate infusion.

Main Results:

• The term "middle" collateral artery predates "medial" collateral artery by 80 years.
• The term "medial" likely originated from a mistranslation of the Latin term "arteria collateralis media."
• Dissections and CT imaging confirmed the MCA's posterolateral position, situated between the anterolateral radial collateral artery and the medial superior ulnar collateral artery.

Conclusions:

• The term "medial" collateral artery is an anatomical misnomer.
• "Middle" collateral artery accurately reflects its anatomical location.
• Recommending the consistent use of "middle" collateral artery to enhance clarity in scientific literature and medical practice.