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.