What is the radial artery and where does it originate?

The radial artery is the smaller terminal branch of the brachial artery. It originates in the cubital fossa at the level of the neck of the radius.

Where can you feel the radial pulse and how should you check it?

The radial pulse is easily felt at the distal forearm, between the tendons of flexor carpi radialis (medially) and brachioradialis (laterally). Use your index and middle fingers (not your thumb) to avoid confusion with your own pulse.

What are the main branches of the radial artery in the forearm?

The radial artery gives off several branches in the forearm: muscular branches to lateral forearm muscles, radial recurrent artery that joins the elbow anastomosis, palmar carpal branch that joins the ulnar palmar carpal branch, and superficial palmar branch that helps complete the superficial palmar arch.

What is Volkmann's ischemic contracture and how is it related to the radial artery?

Volkmann's ischemic contracture is a severe complication that may result from complete occlusion or injury to the brachial artery (which gives rise to the radial artery). This ischemia leads to necrosis and fibrosis of flexor muscles, producing a classic flexor deformity with severe functional loss of hand grip.

What structures lie posterior to the radial artery in the forearm?

From above downwards, the radial artery lies on the biceps tendon, supinator muscle, pronator teres muscle, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscle.

What is the relationship between the radial artery and the superficial radial nerve?

The superficial radial nerve lies lateral to the radial artery in the middle third of the forearm. This anatomical relationship is important to consider during surgical procedures in this region.

How does the radial artery reach the dorsum of the hand?

The radial artery leaves the forearm by winding around the lateral aspect of the wrist to reach the anatomical snuff-box on the dorsum of the hand. In the distal forearm, it becomes superficial, lying on the anterior surface of the radius.

Radial Artery Anatomy – Course, Branches & Pulse

❓ Frequently Asked Questions