Abstract
Variations in formation of the superficial palmar arch are common. A classic superficial palmar arch is defined as direct continuity between the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. During routine dissection classes to undergraduate medical students we have observed formation of superficial palmar arch solely by superficial branch of ulnar artery without any contribution from the radial artery or median artery. Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the arterial pattern of the hand is crucial for safe and successful hand surgery.
Highlights
Superficial palmar arch (SPA) is an arterial arcade which lies beneath the palmar aponeurosis and in front of the long flexor tendons, lumbrical muscles and palmar digital branches of the median nerve
The first common palmar digital artery divided into radialis indicis and princeps pollicis arteries to supply the radial side of the index finger and both sides of thumb, there were no branches from the deep palmar arch to supply the index finger and thumb
The SPA is the center of attraction for most of the surgical procedures and traumatic events in the hand
Summary
Superficial palmar arch (SPA) is an arterial arcade which lies beneath the palmar aponeurosis and in front of the long flexor tendons, lumbrical muscles and palmar digital branches of the median nerve. Various anomalous patterns in the superficial arch of the hand have been reported Among these variations is the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery passing deep to the flexor retinaculum to form the SPA [2], absence of the SPA [3] and incomplete development of the SPA [4]. In the current study it can be said that the superficial branch of ulnar artery forming SPA gave origin to four common palmar digital arteries. The first common palmar digital artery divided into radialis indicis and princeps pollicis arteries to supply the radial side of the index finger and both sides of thumb, there were no branches from the deep palmar arch to supply the index finger and thumb. The second, third and fourth common palmar digital arteries divided into digital branches to supply the sides of second, third and fourth web spaces and the fourth common palmar digital artery in addition gave a branch to supply ulnar side of the little finger
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
