Arterial System of the Fingers

The arterial system in 141 fresh human cadavers was studied under the operating microscope using magnifications of 8 to 25 times. The vascular system was injected with latex material alone for identification of the vessels during dissection, and with latex and lead for x-ray contrast studies. An overall repetitive pattern in size, location, and distribution of the vessels was noted. The dorsal branches of the paired digital vessels in each phalanx were generally 4 and demonstrated a regular, repetitive distribution corresponding to: a, condylar vessel; b, metaphyseal vessel; c, dorsal skin vessel; and d, transverse palmar arch. Proximal and middle transverse palmar arches were found always in relation to the cruciate ligaments. The distal transverse palmar arch lay just distal to the insertion of the profundus.