{# Crawler directives — per-engine only. A bare `robots` meta is deliberately absent: pruning here is a Google indexation decision, never a crawl block, so AI crawlers keep the full surface. #}

superficial palmar arch

arcus palmaris superficialis

Predominantly a continuation of the ulnar artery, the superficial palmar arch is completed by the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, though in some individuals that radial contribution is absent and the arch instead anastomoses with the princeps pollicis, radialis indicis, or median artery. It crosses the palm in a curve with its convexity directed downward, lying more distal than the deep palmar arch; with the thumb fully extended, its level corresponds approximately to a line drawn across the palm from the distal border of the thumb. Three common palmar digital arteries arise from it and run onto the second, third, and fourth lumbrical muscles, each receiving a palmar metacarpal artery before dividing near the metacarpophalangeal joints into two proper palmar digital arteries.

The superficial palmar arch is formed predominantly by the ulnar artery, with a contribution from the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. However, in some individuals the contribution from the radial artery might be absent, and instead anastomoses with either the princeps pollicis artery, the radialis indicis artery, or the median artery, the former two of which are branches from the radial artery. Alternative names for this arterial arch are: superficial volar arch, superficial ulnar arch, arcus palmaris superficialis, or arcus volaris superficialis. The arch passes across the palm in a curve with its convexity downward. If one were to fully extend the thumb, the superficial palmar arch would lie approximately at the level of a line drawn from the distal border of the thumb across the palm. The superficial palmar arch is more distal than the deep palmar arch. Three common palmar digital arteries arise from the arch, proceeding down on the second, third, and fourth lumbrical muscles, respectively. They each receive a contribution from a palmar metacarpal artery. Near the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints, each common palmar digital artery divides into two proper palmar digital arteries.

On this page
Type Bone
Latin Name arcus palmaris superficialis
FMA ID 22834

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the superficial palmar arch?

The superficial palmar arch is an arterial anastomosis in the palm of the hand, formed predominantly by the ulnar artery with a variable contribution from the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery.

Which arteries form the superficial palmar arch?

The arch is formed primarily by the ulnar artery, which enters the palm superficial to the flexor retinaculum. The radial artery contributes via its superficial palmar branch, though this contribution varies considerably between individuals.

What vessels arise from the superficial palmar arch?

The superficial palmar arch gives rise to three common palmar digital arteries, which travel along the interdigital spaces and divide into proper palmar digital arteries supplying the adjacent sides of the fingers.

Where is the superficial palmar arch located in relation to the deep palmar arch?

The superficial palmar arch is more distal and superficial than the deep palmar arch, lying beneath the palmar aponeurosis and superficial to the long flexor tendons. The deep palmar arch is formed predominantly by the radial artery.

What is the clinical significance of the superficial palmar arch?

The Allen test assesses patency of the superficial palmar arch by compressing both the radial and ulnar arteries at the wrist and releasing each alternately to evaluate collateral circulation. This is important before radial artery catheterization.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:22834 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0006564 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikidata — Q7643328 Structured knowledge base cross-reference
  4. Wikipedia — superficial palmar arch Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.