Variations in the arterial pattern of the upper limb are
common and have been reported by several investigators
(Fuss et al. 1985; Poteat, 1986; Tountas & Bergman, 1993;
Rodriguez-Baeza et al. 1995). These variations are often
associated with anomalies in the arrangement of the nerves
of the brachial plexus (Miller, 1939; Lengele & Dhem,
1989). The presence of a superficial brachial artery
(Schwyzer & De Garis, 1935; Skopakoff, 1959; Fuss et al.
1985) and the usual pattern of its branching in the upper
arm or forearm have also been reported (McCormack et al.
1953; Keen, 1961; Karlson & Niechalev, 1982; Lippert &
Pabst, 1985; Rodriguez-Baeza et al. 1995). The great
variability of this arterial pattern may be attributed to the
failure of regression of some paths of the embryonic arterial
trunks (Tountas & Bergman, 1993; Rodriguez-Baeza et al.
1995).
The aim of the present report is to describe the
concomitant appearance of 3 unusual variations in the same
upper limb of a male cadaver. In this arm: (1) a superficial
brachial artery terminated its course by dividing into 3
branches at the cubital fossa; (2) the definitive brachial
artery had an unusual origin; and (3) the ulnar nerve was
abnormally formed from 2 roots. This novel variation is
compared with other anatomical variations in the arterial
supply of the upper limb. In a series of routine dissections of
100 embalmed human cadavers the following variations
were observed in the right upper limb of a male subject.