Anatomical Structure and Location of the Anterior Interosseous Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the common interosseous artery, the anterior interosseous artery descends on the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane within the deep flexor compartment of the forearm. It courses distally between flexor pollicis longus laterally and flexor digitorum profundus medially, accompanied by the anterior interosseous nerve on the same fascial plane. Proximally, the brachial artery and its bifurcation into radial and ulnar arteries sit anterior to the elbow region, while the radius lies lateral and the ulna medial, framing the interosseous interval. Superficial flexor mass and overlying aponeuroses are reflected or rendered translucent enough to expose the vessel’s deep, midline trajectory. Anterior presentation of this artery matters because it is the dominant vascular companion of the anterior interosseous nerve in the setting of anterior interosseous syndrome, where pain and weakness of flexor pollicis longus and the index portion of flexor digitorum profundus can be correlated to the neurovascular bundle’s position against the interosseous membrane. This view also clarifies why deep volar forearm dissections, fasciotomies for compartment syndrome, or approaches to the radius and interosseous membrane must respect the artery’s distal run before it perforates to contribute to the dorsal carpal network. Small vessel. High consequence when injured. Use this artwork for upper limb anatomy teaching in gross anatomy, clinical anatomy, and hand surgery modules, and for publication figures explaining deep volar forearm compartments, anterior interosseous neurovascular anatomy, and surgical risk zones in the interosseous interval. It also supports patient-facing education when discussing forearm vascular injury or postoperative numbness related to deep volar approaches. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.