Cardiovascular system · Upper limb
Deep palmar arch !
The deep palmar arch is a loop of artery deep in the palm, mainly from the radial artery; it is a second blood supply to the fingers.
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What it is
A deeper arch of artery across the bases of the metacarpals.
What it does
A second blood supply to the fingers, mainly from the radial artery.
Key facts
- Origin
- Mainly the radial artery (+ deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery)
- Branches
- Palmar metacarpal arteries, perforating branches
- Supplies
- Deep palm, interossei; lies at the metacarpal bases
Relations
- Course
- From the radial artery between the first and second metacarpals it runs medially across the metacarpal bases and meets the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery near the base of the fifth metacarpal
- Superficial
- Long flexor tendons, lumbricals and the fascia of the deep palmar spaces
- Deep
- Bases of the metacarpals and the palmar and dorsal interossei
How to find it
Not palpable. It lies roughly level with the bases of the metacarpals; Doppler ultrasound or angiography shows it.
On imaging
Lies about a finger's breadth proximal to the superficial arch, on the bases of the metacarpals and under the flexor tendons, so it is harder to see on ultrasound. CT or catheter angiography of the hand shows it with the superficial arch and the palmar metacarpal arteries. The deep branch of the ulnar nerve runs in its curve, so the arch marks the nerve on imaging.
Clinical notes
- Perforating branches link it to the dorsal metacarpal arteries, so the hand keeps flow even when one arch is interrupted
- A deep palm wound can damage the arch and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve together: bleeding plus weakness of the small hand muscles
- Its link with the ulnar artery keeps the thumb and index finger perfused after radial artery access, occlusion or harvest
Anatomical variants
- Usually complete, more often than the superficial arch; the shares of the radial and ulnar arteries vary
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which artery mainly forms the deep palmar arch, and how does it reach the palm?
The radial artery, between the two heads of the first dorsal interosseous and then between the two heads of adductor pollicis.
Where does the deep palmar arch lie relative to the superficial arch?
About a finger's breadth proximal, on the metacarpal bases and interossei, deep to the long flexor tendons.
Which nerve runs in the curve of the deep palmar arch, and why does it matter?
The deep branch of the ulnar nerve; a deep palm wound can cause bleeding plus weakness of the small hand muscles.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- arcus palmaris profundus TA2 4652
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Arco palmar profundo
- English (TA2)
- Deep palmar arch
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Hand Volar Arch Arteries.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
