A third head of the biceps brachii and coexisting fused higher origin of brachioradialis

Anita S. FATING, Vishal M. SAL

Abstract

The biceps brachii is a large fusiform muscle in the flexor compartment of the arm. Brachioradialis is the most superficial muscle of the forearm. It has been reported that in 10% cases the third head of biceps brachii may arise from the supero-medial part of the brachialis and is attached to the bicipital apponeurosis. The presence of the third head is important for academic and clinical purpose. During routine dissection of a middle aged male cadaver at the Dr. PSIMS & RF, Gannavaram (INDIA); third head of biceps brachii and fused higher origin of brachioradialis were found in the left upper limb. The third head of biceps brachii arose from superomedial part of brachialis. Brachioradialis had higher additional origin beside its usual origin from proximal 2/3 of the lateral supracondylar crest of humerus. A variation in the heads of the biceps brachii muscle has already been reported to cause compression of surrounding neurovascular structures.