VIDEO
CONTENT
QUIZ
MATERIALS
Quick Facts
Subclavian Artery
Axillary Artery
Brachial Artery
Radial and Ulnar Arteries
Palmar Arches
Introduction: The upper limb’s arterial system is an intricate network of vessels, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues that orchestrate our every action. Let’s traverse the arterial highways of the upper limb to understand how these blood vessels sustain the limb’s vitality and function.
The Subclavian Artery: The Inception Our journey begins with the subclavian artery, a major arterial trunk that emerges from beneath the collarbone.
- Subclavian Artery: This vessel is the initial segment of the arterial system of the upper limb. It courses laterally under the clavicle, supplying blood to the shoulder and arm as it transitions into the axillary artery.
The Axillary Artery: The Gateway to the Arm As the subclavian artery passes the outer border of the first rib, it becomes the axillary artery.
- Axillary Artery: Serving as the main artery of the armpit (axilla), it provides branches to the shoulder girdle and the upper thoracic wall. It continues into the upper arm, where it becomes the brachial artery.
The Brachial Artery: The Central Conduit The brachial artery runs down the upper arm, a continuation of the axillary artery.
- Brachial Artery: This major blood vessel courses along the humerus, supplying blood to the arm’s muscles. It is palpable in the antecubital fossa (the front of the elbow), where it splits into the radial and ulnar arteries.
The Radial and Ulnar Arteries: The Forearm’s Dual Channels The brachial artery bifurcates into two smaller arteries that supply the forearm, wrist, and hand.
- Radial Artery: Running along the thumb side of the forearm, it is often used to take a pulse. It continues to the wrist, contributing to the hand’s blood supply, especially the deep palmar arch.
- Ulnar Artery: It courses along the ulnar (little finger) side of the forearm into the hand, forming the superficial palmar arch, which supplies blood to the palm and fingers.
The Palmar Arches: The Distributors These arches are the final destination of the arterial journey into the hand.
- Superficial Palmar Arch: Formed predominantly by the ulnar artery, it lies just beneath the palm’s skin, giving rise to branches that supply the fingers.
- Deep Palmar Arch: Primarily from the radial artery, it runs deeper in the hand, providing blood to the hand’s intrinsic muscles and forming connections with the superficial arch.