Normal Anatomy

Palmar arch, deep

formed by the anastomosis between the terminal radial artery and a deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery. It lies proximal to the superficial arch. The vessel gives off three or four palmar metacarpal arteries which lie in the interosseous spaces and which anastomose with a common palmar digital artery from the superficial arch and then immediately bifurcate to form the proper digital arteries. It also gives rise to three perforating branches which anastomose with corresponding dorsal metacarpal arteries and recurrent branches which pass anteriorly on the wrist supplying the carpal bones and their articulations. The arch is incomplete in 3 - 5% of individuals. See blood vessels, forearm and hand (II), Fig. 3, blood vessels, forearm and hand (II), Fig. 4

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