Vasculature of the Hand

Description

Shown in the distal forearm and hand, the arterial supply tracks from the radial and ulnar arteries into the superficial and deep palmar arches, then distally as common palmar digital arteries that divide into proper palmar digital arteries along the lateral margins of the fingers. Dorsally, the dorsal carpal network and dorsal metacarpal arteries contribute to dorsal digital branches, with palmar and dorsal systems linked by perforating vessels in the intermetacarpal spaces. Superficial veins form a dorsal venous network over the metacarpals and drain proximally toward the cephalic vein laterally and the basilic vein medially, while paired deep veins (venae comitantes) accompany the major arteries in the forearm. Orientation is clear. Clinically, this arrangement underpins two daily decisions, arterial access and flap planning. Radial artery cannulation and arterial blood gas sampling rely on consistent relationships between the radial artery and the palmar arches, while the Allen test (or Doppler) estimates whether ulnar flow can support the hand if radial flow is compromised. Digital ischemia after crush injury, high-pressure injection, or iatrogenic arterial spasm is best understood by following the proper palmar digital arteries and their limited collateral capacity distal to the common digital bifurcations. Use this artwork for upper-limb anatomy teaching (gross anatomy, hand surgery, emergency medicine), and for publisher layouts explaining palmar arch variants, catheterization sites, or the vascular basis of Dupuytren surgery and digital replantation. It also supports patient-facing diagrams for arterial line risks and for postoperative monitoring of perfusion in microsurgical reconstruction. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.