Metacarpal arteries

Metacarpal Arteries are the arteries that supply blood to the metacarpus, the intermediate part of the hand located in the human body between the wrist and the fingers. These arteries are branches of the radial artery and the ulnar artery, which are the main arteries of the forearm.

Anatomy

The metacarpal arteries are divided into two types: the common metacarpal arteries and the proper metacarpal arteries. The common metacarpal arteries are three in number and arise from the convexity of the deep palmar arch, a major arterial conduit in the hand. The proper metacarpal arteries, on the other hand, are two in number and arise from the superficial palmar arch, another major arterial conduit in the hand.

Function

The primary function of the metacarpal arteries is to supply blood to the metacarpus and the fingers. They do this by branching out into smaller arteries, known as digital arteries, which carry blood to the individual fingers.

Clinical Significance

The metacarpal arteries, like any other arteries in the body, can be affected by various medical conditions. For instance, they can be involved in hand ischemia, a condition characterized by inadequate blood supply to the hand. They can also be affected by aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in the wall of an artery.

See Also

• Radial artery
• Ulnar artery
• Deep palmar arch
• Superficial palmar arch
• Digital arteries