Arteries of the hand: Dorsal view (Latin)

There are three main arterial networks on the dorsum of the hand: the rete radiocarpale dorsale, the arcus dorsalis carpi and the arcus metacarpeus basalis. The rete radiocarpale dorsale is formed by contributions from the a. radialis, a. ulnaris and aa. interosseae anterior/posterior. The arcus dorsalis carpi is formed by a r. carpeus dorsalis from both the a.radialis and a. ulnaris as well as contributions from the rete radiocarpale dorsale. Arising from the arcus dorsalis carpi are the aa. metacarpeae dorsales 2-4, which are often linked via anastomosing vessels at the bases of the ossa metacarpi, forming the arcus metacarpeus basalis. The aa. metacarpeae dorsales extend distally along the ossa metacarpi and bifurcate to form the aa. digitales dorsales manus. The dorsal surface of the thumb receives its arterial supply from the a. digitalis dorsalis radialis/ulnaris, which arise from the a. radialis and a. metacarpea dorsalis 1, respectively.