Arteries of the hand: Palmar view (English)

The arterial supply of the hand is provided by the ulnar and radial arteries, whose terminal branches contribute to the formation of superficial and deep palmar arches. The superficial palmar arch is formed by the terminal branch of the ulnar artery and the superficial branch of the radial artery. The superficial palmar arch gives rise to the common palmar digital arteries which travel distally between fingers 2-4. It also gives rise to the palmar digital artery of little finger. At the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints, the common palmar digital arteries bifurcate to form proper palmar digital arteries. The deep palmar arch is formed by the terminal branch of the radial artery and the deep branch of the ulnar artery. The deep palmar arch gives off 3 palmar metacarpal arteries which join with the common palmar digital arteries to supply the fingers. At the base of the palmar metacarpal arteries are the perforating branches of the palmar metacarpal arteries which anastomose with the dorsal metacarpal arteries. The palmar aspect of the thumb receives its arterial supply from a branch of the radial artery known as the princeps pollicis artery.