Blood vesselArtery

Ulnar artery

Latin: Arteria ulnaris sinistra

Location: Forearm

Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.

Course

Larger terminal branch of the brachial, descends deep to the flexor digitorum superficialis with the ulnar nerve, crosses into the hand anterior to the flexor retinaculum in Guyon's canal, and forms the superficial palmar arch.

Branches

Anterior and posterior interosseous arteries, carpal branches, superficial palmar arch.

Clinical relevance

The dominant supply of the superficial palm in most hands; hypothenar hammer syndrome — ulnar artery thrombosis from repetitive trauma — whitens fingers on the ulnar side.

Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.