A note from Cleveland Clinic
Your brachial artery is one of many blood vessels that keep blood flowing through your upper body. That’s an important job. But this artery also helps your healthcare provider keep a close eye on your health — most often through blood pressure readings.
So, the next time a blood pressure cuff squeezes your upper arm, imagine it’s giving your brachial artery a hug. And take a moment to thank your brachial artery for helping you know what’s happening inside your body!
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References
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Experts You Can Trust
Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 12/22/2025.References
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Arm. In: Morton DA, Foreman K, Albertine K, eds. The Big Picture: Gross Anatomy, Medical Course & Step 1 Review. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2018.
Epperson TN, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Brachial Artery(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537145/). 2023 Jul 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Accessed 12/22/2025.
Janeckova J, Bachleda P, Koleckova M, Utikal P. Brachial artery aneurysm as a late complication of arteriovenous fistula(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34789043/). J Vasc Access. 2023 Sep;24(5):926-932. Accessed 12/22/2025.
Khan K, Amir E, Akano O, et al. Challenging the Controversy Surrounding Percutaneous Brachial Artery Access Related Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210681/). Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2025 Jan;59(1):47-63. Accessed 12/22/2025.
The Arm. In: Koshi D, eds. Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy, Volume 1: Upper and Lower Limbs. 16th ed. Oxford University Press; 2017.