Palmar carpal branch of radial artery

Palmar carpal branch of radial artery

The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery is an important blood vessel located in the hand. It is a branch of the radial artery, which is one of the major arteries in the forearm. The palmar carpal branch supplies blood to the muscles and structures in the palm and wrist region.

Anatomy

The radial artery is one of the two main arteries in the forearm, along with the ulnar artery. It originates from the brachial artery in the upper arm and runs down the forearm on the thumb side. Near the wrist, the radial artery gives off several branches, one of which is the palmar carpal branch.

The palmar carpal branch arises from the radial artery just above the wrist joint. It passes through the anatomical snuffbox, a triangular depression on the back of the hand, and then enters the palm. Within the palm, it gives off multiple smaller branches that supply blood to the muscles and structures in the area.

Function

The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery plays a crucial role in the blood supply to the hand. It provides oxygenated blood to the muscles of the palm, including the thenar muscles responsible for thumb movement, as well as the hypothenar muscles responsible for little finger movement.

Additionally, the palmar carpal branch supplies blood to the structures in the wrist region, such as the carpal bones, ligaments, and tendons. These structures are essential for the proper functioning of the hand and wrist.

Clinical Significance

The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery can be affected by various conditions, leading to potential clinical implications. One such condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The reduced blood flow through the palmar carpal branch can contribute to the symptoms experienced by individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

In surgical procedures involving the hand and wrist, the palmar carpal branch may need to be carefully preserved to ensure adequate blood supply to the structures being operated on. Surgeons must be aware of the anatomy and course of this branch to minimize the risk of complications during procedures.

References

1. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 41st Edition. Susan Standring (Editor). Elsevier, 2015.

2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

See Also

• Radial artery
• Ulnar artery
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Anatomical snuffbox