Vessel
Radial artery
Lateral forearm artery
High-yield
Wrist pulse (radial) lateral to FCR; crosses the anatomical snuffbox floor; chiefly forms the deep palmar arch. Site for arterial lines and the Allen test.
Overview
The smaller terminal branch of the brachial artery running down the lateral forearm; its pulse is felt at the wrist and it forms the deep palmar arch.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- Brachial artery (in the cubital fossa)
- Branches / tributaries
- Palmar and dorsal carpal branches; Superficial palmar branch; Princeps pollicis artery
- Supplies
- Lateral forearm, wrist, and hand (mainly the deep palmar arch)
- Course
- Descends along the lateral forearm, crosses the floor of the anatomical snuffbox, and passes between the heads of the first dorsal interosseous into the palm
Frequently asked questions
Where does the radial artery originate?
The radial artery arises from the brachial artery (in the cubital fossa).
What does the radial artery supply?
The radial artery supplies the lateral forearm, wrist, and hand (mainly the deep palmar arch).
What are the branches of the radial artery?
Branches of the radial artery include the palmar and dorsal carpal branches; Superficial palmar branch; Princeps pollicis artery.
What is the course of the radial artery?
Descends along the lateral forearm, crosses the floor of the anatomical snuffbox, and passes between the heads of the first dorsal interosseous into the palm.