The Superficial Palmar Arch: A Morphological Study

ABSTRACT

Background: The functional importance of hand is revealed by its rich vascularity contributed by superficial anddeep palmar arches (SPA and DPA). The efficiency of collateral circulation in hand by SPA and DPA is essential incertain peripheral vascular diseases like Raynaud’s disease and in harvesting radial artery for coronary arterybypass graft (CABG). Knowledge of variations in the arterial supply of hand is important while performingmicrosurgical procedures like arterial repair, vascular graft and flap application.Objective: To study the morphology of the Superficial Palmar Arch and variation in its formation.Materials and methods: We have dissected 30 cadaveric hands at Department of Anatomy of Medical Collegeand Hospital, Kolkata.Result and conclusion: Out of 30 specimens, variations were observed in 14 specimens. Out of 14 specimens in 11specimens SPA was formed alone by Ulnar Artery, in two specimens SPA was incomplete formed by superficialpalmar branches of Ulnar and Radial Artery, in one specimen there was presence of Persistent Median Arterywith incomplete SPA. All the variations found were present unilaterally. In rest 16 specimens SPA was completeclassical radio-ulnar type.