Ulnar Artery, Anterior View

Description

Running along the anteromedial forearm, the ulnar artery continues from the brachial artery via the common interosseous region and descends toward the wrist beside the ulnar nerve, deep to the flexor carpi ulnaris and adjacent to the flexor digitorum superficialis. Proximally, the brachial artery occupies the medial bicipital groove before dividing in the cubital fossa, while superficial veins, including the basilic vein medially and the cephalic vein laterally, track in the subcutaneous tissue of the arm and forearm. Distally, the ulnar artery approaches the pisiform region and enters the hand to contribute to the superficial palmar arch, with digital branches continuing into the palm and fingers. Color coding separates arteries (red) from veins (blue). Anterior orientation matters because it aligns with how clinicians palpate pulses and plan access. The ulnar pulse is assessed just lateral to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon at the distal forearm, and ulnar artery injury is a practical concern in lacerations along the ulnar border and during open approaches to the Guyon canal region. A long curved course. It also supports teaching of collateral circulation around the elbow and the common pairing of major arteries with named superficial veins used for venipuncture and cannulation. Use this artwork in upper-limb anatomy teaching to contrast deep arterial pathways with superficial venous drainage, or in surgical and emergency medicine materials covering distal forearm exposure, vascular repair, and pulse examination. It also fits vascular access guidelines and hand surgery publications discussing ulnar artery contribution to palmar perfusion and variants relevant to radial artery harvest planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.