Posterior Ulnar Recurrent Artery

Origin

The posterior ulnar recurrent artery originates from the ulnar artery, distal to the anterior ulnar recurrent artery (Standring, 2016).

Course

The posterior ulnar recurrent artery travels in a posteromedial direction between the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis muscles. It then courses superiorly along the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the humerus, deep to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.

Along the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the humerus, it courses near the ulnar nerve. In this region they sit superficially, and they are both vulnerable to injury. The posterior ulnar recurrent artery anastomoses with the superior ulnar collateral and interosseous recurrent arteries (Standring, 2016).

Branches

There are no named branches.

Supplied Structures

The posterior ulnar recurrent artery gives muscular branches that contribute to the supply of the flexor digitorum profundus, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles. It also gives small branches to the ulnar nerve. Additionally, it contributes to the anastomotic network that supplies the elbow joint.

References

Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.