Posterior Interosseous Artery, Posterior View

Description

Seen from the posterior aspect of a male forearm and hand, the posterior interosseous artery descends in the deep extensor compartment along the posterior surface of the interosseous membrane between the radius and ulna. Proximally it arises from the common interosseous branch of the ulnar artery, passing posteriorly through the interosseous space and then running distal, typically accompanied by paired venae comitantes. Superficial extensor muscle bellies and tendons lie posterior to the vessel, while the radius sits lateral and the ulna medial, continuing distally toward the dorsal carpal region and metacarpals. Understanding this posterior course matters when you need to separate true radial or ulnar artery supply from interosseous contributions to the dorsum of the wrist and hand, including the dorsal carpal arch and dorsal metacarpal arteries. A frequent teaching point is its close relationship to the posterior interosseous nerve in the supinator region, the same territory implicated in posterior interosseous nerve entrapment and in dorsal approaches to the proximal forearm. Small vessel caliber and depth make it easy to overlook. This view keeps the interosseous membrane and deep extensor plane in clear anatomic context. Use this plate for gross anatomy lab teaching on upper limb vascular pathways, for operative anatomy references during dorsal forearm exposure (radius, ulna, or interosseous membrane work), and for textbook figures explaining collateral circulation around the wrist when radial or ulnar flow is compromised. It also supports radiology and hand surgery discussions of distal forearm perfusion patterns when interpreting angiography or planning flap perfusion. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.