Step 3 - Dissection of the Arm

1. Clean the lateral head and long head of the triceps brachii muscle as seen in this dissection. Find the radial nerve on the medial surface of the arm and anteriorly between the brachialis and brachioradialis muscle (as seen in the previous step).

2. To demonstrate the pathway of the radial nerve and profunda brachii artery, first grasp the radial nerve at both ends where it passes deep to the lateral head of the triceps.

3. Then place a pair of forceps on top of the nerve to protect it while you bisect the lateral head.

4. Cut the lateral head to demonstrate how the nerve and artery traverse the radial groove superior to the medial head of the triceps. This is also shown on a second dissection.

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John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Updated: Sep 29, 2008
Created: Dec 22, 1996