Radial palmar digital artery

The radial palmar digital artery of the pollex (Radiopalmar digital artery of the thumb; RPDAT) is one of the four principal arteries supplying the thumb. It courses along the radial (lateral) aspect of the palmar surface of the thumb, providing arterial blood supply to that side of the digit.

Origin and Source

This artery most commonly arises from the princeps pollicis artery (first palmar metacarpal artery) in approximately 78.9% of cases. Less frequently, it originates from the superficial palmar arch (complete or incomplete) in about 23% of cases, or from the first dorsal metacarpal artery in roughly 2.5% of cases. It is a highly consistent vessel, found in 99.3% of anatomic specimens.

Course and Relationships

The artery runs distally along the radial border of the thumb on its palmar side, providing perfusion to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and pulp of the radial aspect of the thumb. It participates in anastomotic connections with the ulnar palmar digital artery of the thumb (which runs along the opposite, ulnar side) and with the dorsal digital arterial system, forming an interconnected vascular network that ensures robust collateral circulation.