Radial Artery

The deep dorsal branch of the radial artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) originate from the bifurcation of the radial artery in the distal forearm or volar carpal area. The exact location of this bifurcation is variable.
The deep branch of the radial artery in the dorsal first web usually has three branches: the index dorsal metacarpal artery, the dorsal arteries of the thumb, and the deep radial artery itself which continues palmarly to join the deep palmar arch.
At the wrist the radial artery diameter varies from 1.2 to 4.0 mm with an average diameter around 2.5 mm. Males slightly larger than females on average.

Diagrams & Photos

Key Points

In the area of the distal palmar wrist crease, the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) enters the base of the thenar muscles. After passing through the thenar muscles it anastomoses with the superficial vascular palmar arch.
Sometimes the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) passes through the subcutaneous tissues of the thenar eminence instead of going through the thenar muscles.
The radial artery has three layers - the intima composed of endothelial cells, the media composed of smooth muscle cells and elastin, and the outer adventitia composed of fibrous tissues.