Dorsal metacarpal arteries: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:12, 15 February 2025

Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries[edit]

Illustration of the dorsal metacarpal arteries.

The dorsal metacarpal arteries are a group of arteries located on the dorsal aspect of the hand. They play a crucial role in supplying blood to the metacarpal bones and the overlying skin and tissues.

Anatomy[edit]

The dorsal metacarpal arteries are typically three in number and arise from the dorsal carpal arch. This arch is formed by the anastomosis of the radial artery and the ulnar artery on the dorsal side of the wrist.

First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery: This artery runs along the first metacarpal bone and supplies the thumb.
Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery: This artery runs between the second and third metacarpal bones.
Third Dorsal Metacarpal Artery: This artery runs between the third and fourth metacarpal bones.

Each dorsal metacarpal artery divides into two dorsal digital arteries that supply the adjacent sides of the fingers.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the dorsal metacarpal arteries is to provide oxygenated blood to the dorsal aspect of the hand, particularly the metacarpal region. They ensure that the muscles, tendons, and skin in this area receive adequate blood supply for proper function and healing.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injuries to the dorsal metacarpal arteries can lead to compromised blood flow to the hand, which may result in ischemia or necrosis of the tissues. Surgical procedures involving the hand, such as reconstructive surgery or trauma repair, must take care to preserve these arteries to maintain proper blood circulation.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries''' are a group of arteries in the human body that supply blood to the dorsal aspect of the [[metacarpus|metacarpal]] region. They originate from the [[dorsal carpal arch]] and are part of the [[hand]]'s vascular system.
+== Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Gray529.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the dorsal metacarpal arteries.]]
-The term "Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries" is derived from the Latin words 'dorsum' meaning back, 'meta' meaning beyond, and 'carpus' meaning wrist. Thus, the term refers to the arteries that are located beyond the wrist, on the back side of the hand.
-==Anatomy==
+The '''dorsal metacarpal arteries''' are a group of arteries located on the dorsal aspect of the hand. They play a crucial role in supplying blood to the [[metacarpal bones]] and the overlying skin and tissues.
-The Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries are typically four in number, each corresponding to one of the four spaces between the [[metacarpal bones]]. They arise from the [[dorsal carpal arch]], which is formed by the anastomosis of the [[dorsal carpal branch]] of the [[radial artery]] and the [[dorsal carpal branch]] of the [[ulnar artery]].
-Each Dorsal Metacarpal Artery runs distally along the corresponding interosseous space, giving off [[perforating branches]] that supply the adjacent [[dorsal interossei muscles]] and the [[lumbricals]]. At the level of the [[proximal phalanges]], each artery divides into two [[dorsal digital arteries]] that supply the adjacent sides of two digits.
+=== Anatomy ===
-==Clinical Significance==
+The dorsal metacarpal arteries are typically three in number and arise from the [[dorsal carpal arch]]. This arch is formed by the anastomosis of the [[radial artery]] and the [[ulnar artery]] on the dorsal side of the wrist.
-The Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries, like other arteries of the hand, can be affected by conditions such as [[Raynaud's disease]], [[Buerger's disease]], and [[atherosclerosis]]. Their patency can be assessed using [[Doppler ultrasound]].
-==Related Terms==
+* '''First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery''': This artery runs along the first metacarpal bone and supplies the [[thumb]].
+* '''Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery''': This artery runs between the second and third metacarpal bones.
+* '''Third Dorsal Metacarpal Artery''': This artery runs between the third and fourth metacarpal bones.
+Each dorsal metacarpal artery divides into two [[dorsal digital arteries]] that supply the adjacent sides of the fingers.
+=== Function ===
+The primary function of the dorsal metacarpal arteries is to provide oxygenated blood to the dorsal aspect of the hand, particularly the [[metacarpal region]]. They ensure that the [[muscles]], [[tendons]], and [[skin]] in this area receive adequate blood supply for proper function and healing.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Injuries to the dorsal metacarpal arteries can lead to compromised blood flow to the hand, which may result in ischemia or necrosis of the tissues. Surgical procedures involving the hand, such as [[reconstructive surgery]] or [[trauma repair]], must take care to preserve these arteries to maintain proper blood circulation.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Radial artery]]
+* [[Ulnar artery]]
 * [[Dorsal carpal arch]]
-* [[Dorsal carpal branch]]
+* [[Metacarpal bones]]
 * [[Dorsal digital arteries]]
-* [[Metacarpal bones]]
-* [[Perforating branches]]
-* [[Radial artery]]
-* [[Ulnar artery]]
 [[Category:Arteries of the upper limb]]
-[[Category:Hand]]
-{{stub}}