Superficial ulnar artery originating from the brachial artery and its clinical importance.

We found a left superficial ulnar artery in the cadaver of a Japanese woman. This anomalous vessel originated from the brachial artery at a site 55 mm distal to the inferior border of the teres major muscle and medial to the median nerve, ran downward and medially superficial to the forearm flexor muscles, and then downward to enter the hand. It formed superficial and deep palmar arches with the radial artery. The clinical importance of the anomalous ulnar artery is discussed.