Radialis Indicis Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the radial artery at the level of the first dorsal interosseous space, the arteria radialis indicis is traced distally along the radial (lateral) border of the index finger in an anterior palmar distribution, running adjacent to the proper digital nerve toward the fingertip pulp. Proximally, the vessel lies lateral to the palmar metacarpal region and relates to the superficial palmar arch and common palmar digital arteries that course distally toward the web spaces. Superficial dorsal veins may also be visible through a semi-transparent integument, crossing obliquely over the metacarpals while the deeper arterial channels remain the focus. Clear relationships. Clean course. For hand surgeons and interventionalists, isolating the radialis indicis matters because it is a frequent contributor to the princeps pollicis and proper palmar digital supply, and its caliber and dominance can affect flap design, revascularization planning, and bleeding control in lacerations along the radial aspect of the index finger. This view also supports teaching of why ischemic changes can localize to a single digit when a proper digital artery is injured, even when radial and ulnar pulses at the wrist remain palpable. Palmar versus dorsal supply becomes concrete when the viewer can follow a named artery into the finger. Ideal use cases include gross anatomy and clinical anatomy curricula covering the vascular anatomy of the hand, surgical atlases describing digital replantation or repair of index-finger lacerations, and patient-facing education for explaining targeted arterial injury after a deep cut near the second metacarpophalangeal joint. It also suits publications discussing arterial line assessment and collateral circulation in the hand when comparing radial artery harvest implications with digital perfusion patterns. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.