Ulnar recurrent artery

Ulnar Recurrent Artery

Ulnar recurrent artery and its branches (shown in red).

The Ulnar Recurrent Artery is a branch of the ulnar artery that arises in the forearm. It is responsible for supplying blood to the muscles and skin in the medial part of the forearm.

Structure

The ulnar recurrent artery arises from the ulnar artery just after it passes beneath the pronator teres muscle. It then ascends towards the elbow, dividing into an anterior and a posterior branch. The anterior branch anastomoses with the anterior interosseous artery, while the posterior branch anastomoses with the inferior ulnar collateral artery.

Function

The ulnar recurrent artery, along with its branches, supplies blood to the muscles and skin in the medial part of the forearm. It also contributes to the arterial network around the elbow joint.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the ulnar recurrent artery is important in surgical procedures involving the forearm and elbow, as damage to this artery can lead to significant blood loss and potential ischemia of the tissues it supplies.

See also

• Ulnar artery
• Forearm
• Elbow