Posterior Division of Anterior Interosseous Artery and Posterior Interosseous Artery Anatomy
- The main arteries in the distal forearm are the palmarly located radial and ulnar arteries.
- In dorsal section 11 there are two small but important arteries; the posterior Interosseous artery and the posterior division of anterior Interosseous artery.
- The posterior Interosseous artery originates from the common interosseous branch of the ulnar artery. Near its origin the posterior Interosseous artery goes through the interosseous membrane and then goes distally dorsal to membrane and under the supinator, APL, EPL, and EIP muscles.
- The posterior Interosseous artery has a descending branch which divides into an ulnar and radial terminal branches. In the distal dorsal forearm the posterior Interosseous artery anastomoses with the posterior division of anterior Interosseous artery which connects distally to the dorsal carpal arch.
- The posterior Interosseous artery.follows a line which passes from the lateral humeral epicondyle to the ulnar styloid.
- The posterior division of anterior Interosseous artery passes through the interosseous membrane in the distal forearm and then into the dorsal section 11 where it anastomoses with the posterior Interosseous artery and connects to the dorsal carpal arch.
- The anterior Interosseous artery also originates from the common interosseous branch of the ulnar artery. It travels distally on the palmar surface of the interosseous membrane before its posterior branch goes through the interosseous membrane.
- In section 11 the posterior division of anterior Interosseous artery slightly dorsal the posterior Interosseous nerve. Both structures can be located near the vertical septum beween the 3rd and 4th extensor compartments.
Diagrams & Photos
-
In the dorsal forearm there are two main arteries; the posterior Interosseous artery and the posterior branch of anterior Interosseous artery.
Key Points
- The posterior Interosseous artery is smaller than the anterior Interosseous artery.
- The posterior Interosseous artery and the posterior division of anterior Interosseous artery supply blood to the deep structures of the posterior compartment of the forearm, particularly the muscles involved in wrist and finger extension, to the distal ulna, to the dorsal distal radioulnar joint, and to the distal radius.