Vessel
Ulnar artery
Medial forearm supply leading to the superficial palm
High-yield
It passes through Guyon's canal on the palmar side of the flexor retinaculum. Its deep branch connects with the deep palmar arch, so the two forearm arteries share hand circulation.
Overview
The ulnar artery is usually the larger branch at the brachial division. It runs beneath proximal forearm flexors, approaches the ulnar nerve distally and enters the hand to provide most of the superficial palmar arch's inflow.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the larger terminal branch of the brachial artery near the elbow
- Course
- Obliquely deep to proximal flexors, then down the medial forearm beside the ulnar nerve; enters the hand lateral to the pisiform through Guyon's canal
- Branches
- Anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent, common interosseous, carpal and deep palmar branches; continues into the superficial arch
- Supplies
- Medial forearm and, through interosseous branches, deeper forearm tissues; wrist, palm and fingers through the hand's arterial connections
Clinical correlation
Repeated impact on the little-finger side of the palm can injure the distal ulnar artery near the hamate hook. Thrombosis, aneurysm or downstream emboli may reduce finger blood supply in hypothenar hammer syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ulnar artery originate?
Usually the larger terminal branch of the brachial artery near the elbow.
What does the ulnar artery supply?
Medial forearm and, through interosseous branches, deeper forearm tissues; wrist, palm and fingers through the hand's arterial connections.
What are the branches of the ulnar artery?
Anterior and posterior ulnar recurrent, common interosseous, carpal and deep palmar branches; continues into the superficial arch.
What is the course of the ulnar artery?
Obliquely deep to proximal flexors, then down the medial forearm beside the ulnar nerve; enters the hand lateral to the pisiform through Guyon's canal.