Report of a rare human variation: the superficial ulnar artery arising from the axillary artery.

A rare variation of the ulnar artery is presented on routine anatomical dissection in one male cadaver. The superficial ulnar artery was found to originate from the axillary artery. The free forearm flap is increasingly popular among plastic surgeons. As a result of this case, and a review of the literature to gain further knowledge of anatomical variations, it is advised that more attention should be paid clinically to this artery to prevent its injury.