What is the pathway of the radial artery on the dorsum of the hand?

The radial artery winds around the radial side of the wrist, passing through the anatomical snuffbox over the scaphoid and trapezium bones. It then enters the palm by passing between the first and second metacarpals and through the first dorsal interosseous muscle.

What arteries form the dorsal carpal arch?

The dorsal carpal arch is formed by the posterior carpal branches of the radial artery and the ulnar artery.

What structures does the dorsal carpal arch supply?

From the dorsal carpal arch arise three dorsal metacarpal arteries. Each of these divides into two dorsal digital arteries that supply the medial three and a half fingers.

Which arteries supply the thumb and index finger on the dorsum?

The princeps pollicis artery supplies the thumb, and the radialis indicis artery supplies the radial side of the index finger. Both arise from the radial artery just distal to its dorsal carpal branch.

How does the radial artery enter the palm from the dorsum?

The radial artery enters the palm by passing between the proximal ends of the first and second metacarpal bones and between the two heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle.

What is the anatomical snuffbox and why is it important for these arteries?

The anatomical snuffbox is a depression on the radial side of the wrist. It's clinically important because the radial artery passes through it on its course to the dorsum of the hand.

Dorsum Hand Arteries – Dorsal Carpal Arch & Branches