Browse the corpus

Blood supply to the volar surface of the hand arises from the radial and ulnar arteries (see Image. Palmar Arterial Anatomy). After crossing the wrist and entering the palm, these vessels anastomose to form the superficial and deep volar arches. The arches and their branches create an extensive arterial network that delivers oxygenated blood to all musculoskeletal structures of the hand and digits.[1] The wide range of hand functions—grasping, force application, and complex multidirectional movements—requires reliable perfusion across all tissue planes. Extensive collateral pathways preserve arterial flow during mechanical stress, positional changes, or functional loading.[2] The volar arterial system holds clinical importance because disruptions in either the radial or ulnar artery can lead to digital ischemia when collateral pathways are insufficient. Surgical procedures involving these arteries demand precise appreciation of arterial configuration to minimize neurovascular complications. A detailed understanding of arterial anatomy and physiology in this region enables accurate evaluation of collateral flow, early recognition of vascular variants, and informed selection of operative approaches.