Radial & ulnar arteries

Looks like

The two arteries of the forearm — the radial beside the thumb tendon, where the wrist pulse is felt, and the ulnar on the other side.

What it does

Carry blood to the hand; either can supply it alone if the other is blocked.

Keeping it well

Used for blood gas samples and heart catheters. A cold, white or painful hand afterwards needs prompt review.

Its parts

• Right radial recurrent artery
• Dorsal carpal branch of right radial artery
• Right anterior ulnar recurrent artery
• Right posterior ulnar recurrent artery
• Right common interosseous artery
• Right dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery
• Left radial recurrent artery
• Dorsal carpal branch of left radial artery
• Left anterior ulnar recurrent artery
• Left posterior ulnar recurrent artery
• Left common interosseous artery
• Left dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery
• Radial artery
• Ulnar artery

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)