Week 5 - Blood Supply to Forearm Flashcards
What compartment of the forearm is supplied by the radial artery?
The posterior compartment of the arm, i.e. the extensors
Which artery supplies the posterior compartment of the forearm?
The radial artery
Which compartment of the forearm does the ulnar artery supply?
The anterior compartment, i.e. the flexors
Which artery supplies the flexor compartment of the forearm?
The ulnar artery
Describe how the ulnar and radial arteries terminate in the hand.
They anastomose to form two arches - the superficial and deep palmar arches.
Why does the hand have a very good blood supply?
Many anastomosing arteries
Describe the course of the ulnar artery as it enters the hand.
Enters on the palmar side, anteriorly to the flexor retinaculum, and laterally to the ulnar nerve.
Which digits are supplied by the ulnar artery?
The medial half of the index finger, and the medial 3 digits.
What course does the ulnar artery take in the hand?
Splits into two branches -
- Deep palmar branch
- Superficial palmar branch
Each of these anastomoses with the radial artery to form arches.
What is the anatomical course of the superficial palmar branch of the ulnar artery?
Runs anterior to the flexor tendons, but deep to the palmar aponeurosis.
From where do the common palmar digital arteries branch off?
The superficial palmar arch
Describe the course of the radial artery as it enters the hand.
Enters dorsally - crosses the anatomical snuffbox obliquely.
Then turns medially, moving to the palmar side by passing between the two heads of adductor pollicis.
How does the radial artery terminate?
Anastomoses with the two branches of the ulnar artery to form the deep and superficial palmar arches.
At what anatomical point does the brachial artery bifurcate?
What two arteries are formed?
The apex of the cubital fossa
Radial and ulnar arteries
