Main arteries of the upper limb – Anatomy Atlas

Table of Contents

Overview

Upper limb arteries (anterior view)

All blood supply to the upper limb arises from the aorta and travels into the limb via the subclavian artery which then branches into smaller vessels that spread throughout the upper limb, supplying each region with oxygenated blood.

Upper limb arteries (posterior view)

On the left side of the body, the subclavian artery arises directly from the arch of aorta, whilst on the right side it branches from the brachiocephalic trunk.

Keypoints

Key points
Major arteries of the upper limb	Subclavian artery, axillary artery, brachial artery, deep brachial artery, radial artery, ulnar artery, dorsal carpal anastomosis, superficial and deep palmar arches
Upper limb region supplied by each artery	Shoulder, axilla and scapular regions: Subclavian artery, scapular anastomosis, axillary artery. Arm: Brachial and deep brachial arteries Forearm: Radial, ulnar and interosseous arteries Hand: Dorsal carpal anastomosis, superficial and deep palmar arches, metacarpal arteries and digital arteries