Ulnar artery

Looks like

The larger end branch of the brachial artery, running down the little-finger side of the forearm to the palm.

What it does

Supplies the forearm muscles and forms most of the superficial palmar arch that feeds the fingers.

Keeping it well

Repeated hammering with the heel of the hand can damage it (hypothenar hammer syndrome): cold, white, painful ring and little fingers need a doctor.

Related conditions

• Compartment syndrome
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hypothermia & frostbite
• Kawasaki disease
• Lymphangitis
• Metabolic syndrome
• Orthostatic hypotension & POTS
• Peripheral artery disease
• Phaeochromocytoma & hyperaldosteronism
• Pre-eclampsia
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Sepsis
• Shock (circulatory failure)
• Vasculitis (GCA & others)