Unilateral superficial ulnar artery arising from the axillary artery: a case report

Knowledge of arterial variations within a clinical setting is essential. During routine dissection of the left upper limb of a 69 year‐old white, male cadaver, the ulnar artery was found to arise from the anterior aspect of the second part of the axillary artery. In its course the artery passed superficial to the medial and lateral roots of the median nerve and continued distally within the subcutaneous tissue on the medial aspect of the upper limb. No branches were observed in the arm or forearm before the artery passed through the ulnar canal to form the superficial palmar arch. The superficial ulnar artery positioned within the subcutaneous tissue of the upper limb is a notable variation due to the risk of intra‐arterial injection. This case further emphasizes the importance of all health care professionals being aware of clinically important variations.