The ulnar head of the pronator teres muscle originating from the third head of the biceps brachii: a very rare case

Abstract

The biceps brachii is located in the anterior compartment of the arm, which can show numerous morphological variations. During anatomical dissection, an interesting additional muscle was found: the third head of the biceps brachii originated from the short head of the same muscle. The 97.77 mm long muscle belly was directed medially over the arm and then passed into the common tendon (15.97 mm), which thereafter split into aponeurosis and tendon. The 26.33 mm aponeurosis passed and joined the fascia of the forearm. The tendon of the third head of the biceps brachii then gave rise to the ulnar head of the pronator teres muscle. Such an accessory structure could cause neurovascular compression involving the brachial artery and median nerve. Knowledge of the morphological variability of this region is essential not only for anatomists but also for clinicians.

Keywords: anatomical variations; biceps brachii; third head.