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== Palmar carpal branch of radial artery ==
== Palmar Carpal Branch of Radial Artery ==


The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery is an important blood vessel located in the hand. It is a branch of the radial artery, which is one of the major arteries in the forearm. The palmar carpal branch supplies blood to the muscles and structures in the palm and wrist region.
[[File:Gray528.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the palmar carpal branch of the radial artery.]]
 
The '''palmar carpal branch of the radial artery''' is a small blood vessel that plays a crucial role in the vascular supply of the wrist and hand. It is a branch of the [[radial artery]], which is one of the major arteries of the forearm.


=== Anatomy ===
=== Anatomy ===


The radial artery is one of the two main arteries in the forearm, along with the ulnar artery. It originates from the brachial artery in the upper arm and runs down the forearm on the thumb side. Near the wrist, the radial artery gives off several branches, one of which is the palmar carpal branch.
The palmar carpal branch arises from the radial artery near the distal end of the forearm. It travels across the anterior aspect of the wrist, contributing to the formation of the [[palmar carpal arch]]. This arch is an anastomosis that involves contributions from the [[ulnar artery]] and other small branches, providing blood supply to the carpal bones and the structures of the wrist.
 
The palmar carpal branch arises from the radial artery just above the wrist joint. It passes through the anatomical snuffbox, a triangular depression on the back of the hand, and then enters the palm. Within the palm, it gives off multiple smaller branches that supply blood to the muscles and structures in the area.


=== Function ===
=== Function ===


The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery plays a crucial role in the blood supply to the hand. It provides oxygenated blood to the muscles of the palm, including the thenar muscles responsible for thumb movement, as well as the hypothenar muscles responsible for little finger movement.
The primary function of the palmar carpal branch is to supply blood to the carpal region of the wrist. It ensures adequate perfusion of the [[carpal bones]], the [[wrist joint]], and the surrounding soft tissues. This is essential for maintaining the health and function of the wrist, especially in activities that require fine motor skills and dexterity.
 
Additionally, the palmar carpal branch supplies blood to the structures in the wrist region, such as the carpal bones, ligaments, and tendons. These structures are essential for the proper functioning of the hand and wrist.


=== Clinical Significance ===
=== Clinical Significance ===


The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery can be affected by various conditions, leading to potential clinical implications. One such condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The reduced blood flow through the palmar carpal branch can contribute to the symptoms experienced by individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
Injuries or conditions affecting the palmar carpal branch can lead to compromised blood flow to the wrist, potentially resulting in ischemia or necrosis of the carpal bones. Understanding the anatomy of this artery is important in surgical procedures involving the wrist, such as [[carpal tunnel release]] or fracture repair.


In surgical procedures involving the hand and wrist, the palmar carpal branch may need to be carefully preserved to ensure adequate blood supply to the structures being operated on. Surgeons must be aware of the anatomy and course of this branch to minimize the risk of complications during procedures.
=== Variations ===


=== References ===
There can be anatomical variations in the origin and course of the palmar carpal branch. In some individuals, it may be more prominent or have a different branching pattern. These variations can have implications for surgical approaches and the management of vascular conditions in the wrist.


1. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 41st Edition. Susan Standring (Editor). Elsevier, 2015.
== Related Pages ==


2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
* [[Radial artery]]
* [[Ulnar artery]]
* [[Palmar carpal arch]]
* [[Carpal bones]]
* [[Wrist joint]]


== See Also ==
{{Anatomy-stub}}


* [[Radial artery]]
[[Category:Arteries of the upper limb]]
* [[Ulnar artery]]
* [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
* [[Anatomical snuffbox]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 16:33, 16 February 2025

Palmar Carpal Branch of Radial Artery[edit]

Illustration of the palmar carpal branch of the radial artery.

The palmar carpal branch of the radial artery is a small blood vessel that plays a crucial role in the vascular supply of the wrist and hand. It is a branch of the radial artery, which is one of the major arteries of the forearm.

Anatomy[edit]

The palmar carpal branch arises from the radial artery near the distal end of the forearm. It travels across the anterior aspect of the wrist, contributing to the formation of the palmar carpal arch. This arch is an anastomosis that involves contributions from the ulnar artery and other small branches, providing blood supply to the carpal bones and the structures of the wrist.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the palmar carpal branch is to supply blood to the carpal region of the wrist. It ensures adequate perfusion of the carpal bones, the wrist joint, and the surrounding soft tissues. This is essential for maintaining the health and function of the wrist, especially in activities that require fine motor skills and dexterity.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injuries or conditions affecting the palmar carpal branch can lead to compromised blood flow to the wrist, potentially resulting in ischemia or necrosis of the carpal bones. Understanding the anatomy of this artery is important in surgical procedures involving the wrist, such as carpal tunnel release or fracture repair.

Variations[edit]

There can be anatomical variations in the origin and course of the palmar carpal branch. In some individuals, it may be more prominent or have a different branching pattern. These variations can have implications for surgical approaches and the management of vascular conditions in the wrist.

Related Pages[edit]

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