Thumb Radial and Ulnar Digital Arteries and Vein Anatomy

  • The princeps pollicis along with the radial digital artery of the index are both terminal branches of dorsal radial artery.
  • The princeps pollicis which is also called the first palmar metacarpal artery runs along the ulnar edge of the first metacarpal.
  • The princeps pollicis, the main artery of the thumb, is the origin of the radial and ulnar digital arteries of the thumb.  
  • The princeps pollicis goes between the first dorsal interosseous and the adductor pollicis oblique head.
  • The radial and ulnar digital arteries of the thumb are held in place in the mid-lateral position by the Grayson’s and Cleland’s ligaments.
  • The Grayson’s and Cleland’s ligaments are located are primarily between the MP and IP joints in the thumb
Diagrams & Photos
  • The princeps pollicis is the origin of the radial and ulnar digital arteries of the thumb. Note the princeps pollicis originates from the radial artery in the web dorsal and ulnar to the palmar surface of the thumb.
    The princeps pollicis is the origin of the radial and ulnar digital arteries of the thumb. Note the princeps pollicis originates from the radial artery in the web dorsal and ulnar to the palmar surface of the thumb.
  • The FPL has been transacted proximally and folded distally exposing the princeps pollicis, radial, and ulnar arteries. Also note the radial digital nerve and the flexor pollicis brevis muscle.
    The FPL has been transacted proximally and folded distally exposing the princeps pollicis, radial, and ulnar arteries. Also note the radial digital nerve and the flexor pollicis brevis muscle
Key Points
  • The smallest arteries are the ulnar digital artery of the little, radial digital artery of the index, and radial digital artery of the thumb.
  • The radial digital artery goes deep to the flexor pollicis longus and volar to the first metacarpal and along the radial side of the thumb between Grayson’s and Cleland’s ligaments.
  • The palmar thumb digital arteries communicate with each other by proximal and distal transverse digital arches.
  • The palmar thumb digital arteries feed the vinculum of the flexor pollicis longus.
  • The thumb’s vascular system also includes a superficial and deep venous system. Digital vena comitantes have a variable presence in this venous drainage system.
  • The thumb’s palmar (volar) digital veins can connected to dorsal veins by oblique intercapitular or communicating veins and also drain into veins of the thenar eminence.
Anatomy References
Anatomic Abbreviations
Hand Surgery Resource Anatomy Diagnostic Guide (Chapter)