Dorsal Carpal Branch of Ulnar Artery
Ramus carpeus dorsalis arteriae ulnaris
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Ulnar artery.
Course: Posterolaterally to anastomose with the dorsal carpal branch of radial artery.
Branches: Forms dorsal carpal arch.
Supplied Structures: Wrist joint.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The dorsal carpal branch originates from the ulnar artery, just proximal to the pisiform.
Course
The dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery courses posteriorly, deep to the distal tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Once posterior, it continues laterally deep to the extensor tendons. It anastomoses with its counterpart from the radial artery to form the dorsal carpal arch.
Branches
The ulnar branch gives a small branch, near the pisiform, to the medial aspect of the fifth metacarpal as well as forming the dorsal carpal arch (Standring, 2016).
Supplied Structures
The dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery supplies the medial aspect of the dorsal surface of the fifth digit and contributes to the supply of the dorsal aspect of the wrist.
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Ulnar Artery
A superficial ulnar artery is an ulnar artery superficial to the flexor muscles of the forearm and may be incorrectly identified as the brachial artery.
