Handledsartären

Handledsartären, also known as the radial artery, is a major artery of the forearm. It originates from the brachial artery in the cubital fossa, the crease of the elbow. From its origin, the handledsartären travels down the lateral (thumb) side of the forearm, accompanied by the radial nerve for much of its course. It lies on the anterior surface of the radius bone and is superficial, making it palpable and accessible.

As the handledsartären descends, it gives off several branches, including the radial recurrent artery, which supplies muscles in the forearm. It then passes around the distal end of the radius, entering the anatomical snuffbox, a depression on the back of the wrist. Here, it contributes to the deep palmar arch, a crucial arterial network in the palm of the hand. This arch then supplies blood to the intrinsic muscles of the hand and contributes to the superficial palmar arch.

The handledsartären is clinically significant for several reasons. It is a common site for arterial blood gas sampling due to its accessibility and relatively stable blood flow. It is also frequently used for arterial line placement in critically ill patients to continuously monitor blood pressure. Furthermore, the handledsartären is a key vessel in coronary artery bypass grafting, where a segment of the artery can be harvested and used as a graft to bypass blocked coronary arteries. The patency and health of the handledsartären are essential for proper blood supply to the hand and forearm.