Surgery | Basic Science | Upper Limb: Upper Arm

Upper Limb: Upper Arm
Session Overview
Description
This session will enable the student to identify the main anatomical structures of the upper arm. It will explain the relevance of the important structures to clinical practice and surgical approaches.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Name the important anatomical landmarks of the humeral shaft and identify the muscle attachments
• Describe the flexor and extensor muscles of the elbow
• Explain how the main neuro-vascular structures course though the upper arm and describe safe surgical approach to the humeral shaft

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Review the formation of the brachial plexus in Aids to the Examination of the Peripheral Nervous System. O’Brien, M. (2010). 5th Edition, Saunders Ltd. 

The upper arm is comprised of the middle section of the humerus and the flexor and extensor muscles of the elbow.

This session will describe the relevant important landmarks on the middle section of the humerus and the origin of the flexor and extensor muscles of the elbow.

The structure of the flexor and extensor muscles will then be covered in detail and the course of the musculocutaneous and radial nerves described as they pass through these muscles. The brachial artery will be followed through the arm, accompanied by the median and ulnar nerves.

The radial nerve is particularly vulnerable to injury in surgical approach to the humerus and the principles of safe surgical approach will be discussed.