Dorsal carpal arch

Diagram of the arteries of the hand, including the dorsal carpal arch.

The dorsal carpal arch is an important arterial network located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist and hand. It plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the dorsal side of the hand and fingers.

Anatomy

The dorsal carpal arch is formed by the anastomosis of several arteries. The primary contributors to this arch include the dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery, the dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery, and the anterior interosseous artery.

Radial Artery

The radial artery is one of the major arteries of the forearm and hand. It gives off the dorsal carpal branch, which contributes to the formation of the dorsal carpal arch. This branch travels across the dorsal aspect of the wrist to participate in the arch.

Ulnar Artery

The ulnar artery also contributes to the dorsal carpal arch through its dorsal carpal branch. This branch crosses the wrist dorsally and joins with the branches from the radial artery and other sources to complete the arch.

Anterior Interosseous Artery

The anterior interosseous artery is a branch of the common interosseous artery, which itself is a branch of the ulnar artery. It contributes to the dorsal carpal arch by providing additional blood supply to the dorsal aspect of the wrist.

Function

The dorsal carpal arch provides blood supply to the dorsal side of the hand, including the metacarpal bones and the dorsal interosseous muscles. It also gives rise to the dorsal metacarpal arteries, which further supply the dorsal aspect of the fingers.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the dorsal carpal arch is important in surgical procedures involving the wrist and hand. Injuries to the dorsal carpal arch can lead to compromised blood flow to the dorsal hand, affecting healing and function.

Related Pages

• Radial artery
• Ulnar artery
• Wrist
• Hand
• Arterial supply of the hand