Which nerves are associated with the medial bicipital groove?

The main neurovascular bundle, which includes the median nerve (n. medianus), is projected along the line of the medial bicipital groove. In the lower third of the arm medially, branches of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm (n. cutaneus antebrachii medialis) also run along the groove.

Where is the brachial artery compressed during hemorrhage?

Digital compression of the brachial artery (a. brachialis) against the bone is performed along the course of the medial bicipital groove.

Which vein is projected along the line of the medial groove?

The basilic vein (v. basilica) is projected along this line. In the lower third of the arm, it runs medially alongside the sulcus bicipitalis medialis.

Medial Bicipital Groove: Anatomy and Clinical Significance

Medial Bicipital Groove

sulcus bicipitalis medialis

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The medial bicipital groove (sulcus bicipitalis medialis) is located at the medial margin of the biceps brachii muscle. It serves as the projection line for the main neurovascular bundle of the arm, which includes the brachial artery (a. brachialis) and the median nerve (n. medianus). In clinical practice, digital compression of the brachial artery against the bone for hemorrhage control is performed along this groove, and this region is optimal for tourniquet placement.

LocationAt the medial margin of the biceps brachii muscle

ArteryBrachial artery (a. brachialis)

Clinical relevanceDigital compression of the brachial artery against the bone during hemorrhage

Superficial veinBasilic vein (v. basilica)

Location and Surface Projection

The medial bicipital groove is located on the arm along the medial margin of the biceps brachii muscle (m. biceps brachii). Distally, both bicipital grooves transition into the anterior cubital region.

The projection line of the main neurovascular bundle runs from a point at the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the upper arm to the midpoint of the antecubital fossa; more precisely, 1 cm medial to the tendon of the m. biceps brachii. If the groove is well-defined, this line coincides with the sulcus bicipitalis medialis. The v. basilica is projected along this same line.

Muscular Surroundings

The biceps brachii muscle (m. biceps brachii) belongs to the anterior compartment of the arm (flexors). Other muscles in this group include the coracobrachialis (m. coracobrachialis) and brachialis (m. brachialis) muscles.

The posterior compartment of the arm contains extensors: the triceps brachii (m. triceps brachii), anconeus (m. anconeus), and articularis cubiti (m. articularis cubiti) muscles.

Flanking the biceps muscle on the arm are the medial and lateral bicipital grooves (sulcus bicipitalis medialis et lateralis). The lateral groove lies at the lateral margin of the biceps; the cephalic vein (v. cephalica) runs along it, and near the superior boundary of the region, it transitions into the deltopectoral groove (sulcus deltopectoralis).

Neurovascular Contents

Main neurovascular bundle:

The projection line coincides with the sulcus bicipitalis medialis when the groove is well-defined.
Components of the main neurovascular bundle include the brachial artery (a. brachialis) and the median nerve (n. medianus).

Superficial neurovascular structures on the medial side (along the sulcus bicipitalis medialis):

Location: Lower third of the arm.
Basilic vein (v. basilica).
Branches of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm (n. cutaneus antebrachii medialis).

Clinical Significance

Bone Palpation: The humerus can be palpated along the course of the medial groove.
Hemorrhage Control: This site is used for digital compression of the brachial artery (a. brachialis) against the bone to stop bleeding.
Tourniquet Placement: The region of the medial groove is the most effective site for upper limb tourniquet application.

Frequently asked questions

Which nerves are associated with the medial bicipital groove?: The main neurovascular bundle, which includes the median nerve (n. medianus), is projected along the line of the medial bicipital groove. In the lower third of the arm medially, branches of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm (n. cutaneus antebrachii medialis) also run along the groove.
Where is the brachial artery compressed during hemorrhage?: Digital compression of the brachial artery (a. brachialis) against the bone is performed along the course of the medial bicipital groove.
Which vein is projected along the line of the medial groove?: The basilic vein (v. basilica) is projected along this line. In the lower third of the arm, it runs medially alongside the sulcus bicipitalis medialis.

Go deeper

Brachial artery (a. brachialis)
Median nerve (n. medianus)
Lateral bicipital groove (sulcus bicipitalis lateralis)
Muscles of the arm (mm. brachii)