Bilateral Accessory long and Short Heads of Biceps Brachii-A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The biceps brachii muscle is a prominent fusiform muscle located in the anteriorcompartment of the arm. Anatomic variations  in bicep brachii particularly the presence ofsupernumerary heads are the most frequently observed variation. Method: The upper limbs of an embalmed old male cadaver  were dissected for undergraduatemedical teaching in the Department of Anatomy, Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar. Result: During dissection, bilateral Accessory long and short heads of bicep brachii were observed. These heads had nerve supply and blood supply from  branches of musculocutaneousnerve and brachial artery respectively. Conclusion: The presence of accessory heads may  confer a mechanical advantage byincreasing the strength of elbow flexion and forearm supination on one side but on other sidesuch variations  may contribute to shoulder pain either independently or in association with other pathologies.