Arteries of the hand: Dorsal view (English)

There are three main arterial networks on the dorsum of the hand: the dorsal radiocarpal anastomosis, the dorsal carpal arch and the basal metacarpal arch. The dorsal radiocarpal anastomosis is formed by contributions from the radial, ulnar and anterior/posterior interosseous arteries. The dorsal carpal arch is formed by the dorsal carpal branches of the radial and ulnar arteries as well as contributions from the dorsal radiocarpal anastomosis. Arising from the dorsal carpal arch are the 2nd-4th dorsal metacarpal arteries, which are often linked via anastomosing vessels at the bases of the metacarpal bones, forming a basal metacarpal arch. The dorsal metacarpal arteries extend distally along the metacarpal bones and bifurcate to form the dorsal digital arteries of the hand. The dorsal surface of the thumb receives its arterial supply from the dorsal radial and ulnar digital arteries, which arise from the radial artery and 1st dorsal metacarpal artery, respectively.