Radial foveola

The radial foveola (a.k.a. the anatomical snuff box) is a triangular depression situated on the dorsolateral aspect of the wrist, immediately distal to the radial styloid process.

Boundaries

The following tendinous borders delineate this distinctive fossa:

• Laterally: The tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.

• Medially: The tendon of the extensor pollicis longus.

Floor and Superficial Structures

• The floor of the anatomical snuffbox is formed by the scaphoid and trapezium bones.

• The roof constitutes the overlying skin and loose subcutaneous tissue. Within this subcutaneous layer, the cephalic vein and branches of the superficial branch of the radial nerve are located. The latter provides cutaneous sensation to the dorsolateral hand and thumb.

Deep Structures

Traversing the floor of the foveola, deep to the tendons, is the radial artery. This vessel serves as a critical landmark for arterial cannulation or pulse palpation.