Lab3 - Module 2 - Anatomy of the Arm and Forearm: Page 10 of 11

Arteries of the Anterior Forearm

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The brachial artery ends opposite the neck of the radius in the inferior part of the cubital fossa by dividing into its terminal branches, the radial and ulnar arteries, which are the two main arteries of the forearm.

Add the Radial Artery which begins in the cubital fossa, just medial to the biceps tendon at the level of the neck of the radius. The course of the radial artery in the forearm can be represented by a line connecting the midpoint of the cubital fossa to a point just medial to the tip of the styloid process of the radius. The radial artery crosses the floor of the anatomical snuff box. The radial artery ends by completing the deep palmar arch in conjunction with the ulnar artery. The branches of the radial artery are:

The Radial recurrent artery arises from the lateral side of the radial artery and ascends between the brachioradialis and brachialis muscles, supplies these muscles and anastomoses with the radial collateral artery to participate in the anastomosis around the elbow.

The Muscular branches that supply muscles on the lateral side of the forearm. (Not identified in ths 3D Cadaver)

The Superficial Palmar Arch that anastomoses with the terminal part of the ulnar artery. The superficial palmar branch supplies the thenar muscles

The Deep Palmar Arch that runs across the wrist deep to the flexor tendons to anastomoses with the deep branch of the ulnar artery.

Add the Ulnar Artery makes a gentle curve as it passes from the cubital fossa to the medial side of the forearm. The ulnar artery passes with the median nerve between the ulnar and radial heads of the flexor digitorum superficialis. In the distal 2/3rds of the forearm, the ulnar artery lies lateral to the ulnar nerve. At the wrist the ulnar artery and nerve lie lateral to the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris. The branches of the Ulnar artery are:

The Anterior ulnar recurrent artery that arises just inferior to the elbow and runs between the brachialis and pronator teres supplying these muscles, anastomoses with the inferior ulnar collateral artery, participating in the anastomoses of the elbow. (Not identified in ths 3D Cadaver)

The Posterior ulnar recurrent artery that arises distal to the anterior ulnar recurrent, passes posterior to the medial epicondyle to anatomoses with the superior ulnar collateral artery and participate in the elbow anastomoses. (Not identified in ths 3D Cadaver)

The Common interosseous artery that arises in the cubital fossa and divides into the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries. (Not identified in ths 3D Cadaver)

The Muscular branches that supply muscles on the medial side of the forearm. (Not identified in ths 3D Cadaver)

Participates in both the superficial and deep palmar arches.