Anterior Interosseous Artery, Posterior View

Description

Running along the posterior aspect of the interosseous membrane, the anterior interosseous artery descends in the deep anterior compartment of the forearm as a slender branch of the common interosseous artery from the ulnar artery. From this posterior vantage, it tracks inferiorly between flexor pollicis longus laterally and flexor digitorum profundus medially, then approaches pronator quadratus near the distal forearm. The interosseous membrane and its partitioning role between anterior and posterior compartments form a clear boundary, while the radial and ulnar arteries sit more superficially and laterally or medially in their expected courses. Deep venae comitantes parallel the artery. Posterior viewing matters because it clarifies the artery’s relationship to the interosseous membrane and the deep flexor mass without the visual obstruction of superficial flexors, a perspective surgeons appreciate when orienting to the interosseous space. The anterior interosseous artery becomes clinically relevant in forearm flap planning and reconstructive options (including anterior interosseous artery based perforator concepts), and its proximity to the anterior interosseous nerve explains why deep volar approaches must respect both structures when addressing distal forearm trauma or tendon pathology. Small vessel, big consequences. Use this artwork in upper limb anatomy teaching to anchor the deep arterial pattern of the forearm, in operative atlases describing volar and interosseous approaches, and in radiology or ultrasound teaching files when correlating deep forearm vascularity with compartment level anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.