Palmar arches

A network of blood vessels supplying the hand, crucial for maintaining healthy circulation in the fingers.

Palmar arches are arterial formations located in the palm of the hand, comprising two main structures: the superficial palmar arch and the deep palmar arch. These arches are formed primarily by the ulnar artery and the radial artery, which branch out into smaller arteries that provide blood supply to the hand and fingers.

Terminologia Anatomica

arcus-palmaris

System

Circulatory system

Function

The primary function of the palmar arches is to ensure an adequate blood supply to the hand, supporting both its structural integrity and functional ability. Blood flow through the palmar arches nourishes the muscles, bones, skin, and nerves of the palm and digits, enabling dexterous movements essential for grasping and manipulating objects. Additionally, these vascular networks play a critical role in thermoregulation, helping to regulate the temperature of the hand by adjusting blood flow in response to changes in external temperatures. The palmar arches also facilitate the distribution of immune cells during injury or inflammation, thus playing a part in the hand's healing processes.

Location

The palmar arches are situated within the palm of the hand, lying beneath the skin and superficial tissues. The superficial palmar arch is located just beneath the skin of the palm, forming a curved structure that runs horizontally across the base of the fingers, allowing for the branching off of digital arteries that supply the fingers. Conversely, the deep palmar arch is positioned deeper within the palm, closer to the bones and interosseous muscles of the hand. It operates primarily to support the muscular structure and provide blood supply to the more medial parts of the hand, ensuring that both the superficial and deep structures of the hand receive necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Did You Know?

The palmar arches can vary in structure from person to person, resulting in different patterns of blood supply.
In some cases, if a hand injury occurs, the palmar arches can adapt, redirecting blood flow to maintain circulation.
Palmar arches can also serve as a pathway for certain medical procedures, such as accessing the arteries for diagnostic imaging or interventions.