Arteries of the Upper Limb

Arteries of the Upper Limb

• The right subclavian artery and the left subclavian artery arise from the brachiocephalic trunk.
• The posterior and anterior circumflex humeral arteries arise at the level of the anatomical neck of the humerus.
• The axillary artery becomes the brachial artery at the level of the teres major muscle.
• The profunda brachii supplies the posterior compartment of the upper arm.
• The brachial artery terminates by contributing to a network of vessels in the cubital fossa.
• The ulnar artery descends down the arm immediately posterior to the median nerve.
• The brachial artery terminates by dividing into the radial and ulnar arteries.
• The ulnar artery supplies the posterior aspect of the forearm.
• The radial artery supplies the anterior aspect of the forearm.
• The ulnar artery divides into two branches, the superficial and deep palmar branches, in the hand.
• The deep palmar arch is formed by anastomosis of the ulnar and radial arteries in the hand.
• The radial artery contributes mainly to the supply of the thumb and lateral side of the index finger.
• The radial artery enters the hand anterior to the flexor retinaculum.
• The deep palmar arch gives rise to the palmar metacarpal arteries.
• The common palmar digital arteries arise from the superficial palmar arch.