Anterior compartment of the arm

Fascial compartments of arm
Cross section showing the fascial compartments of the upper and lower arm
Identifiers
TA	A04.6.01.001
FMA	265176
Anatomical terminology []

The fascial compartments of arm are the sectional divisions of the segments of the upper limb of the body. The segments of the upper limb are the arm and the forearm. Likewise, the lower limb can be divided into segments – the thigh, and the lower leg. The fascial compartments are formed by deep fasciae – tough connective tissue septa (walls), which divide and separate each segment. Each compartment encloses specific muscles and nerves.

The compartments of the arm are the anterior and the posterior compartments, divided by the lateral and the medial intermuscular septa.

The lateral intermuscular septum extends from the lower part of the crest of the greater tubercle of the humerus, along the lateral supracondylar ridge, to the lateral epicondyle; it is blended with the tendon of the deltoid muscle, gives attachment to the triceps brachii behind, and to the brachialis, brachioradialis, and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles in front. It is perforated by the radial nerve and profunda branch of the brachial artery.

The medial intermuscular septum, is thicker than the lateral intermuscular septum. It extends from the lower part of the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus below the teres major, and passes along the medial supracondylar ridge to the medial epicondyle; it is blended with the tendon of the coracobrachialis, and gives attachment to the triceps brachii behind and the brachialis in front.