Artery Interosseous Anterior

The anterior interosseous artery (a. interossea anterior) is one of the branches of the external carotid artery and passes through the interosseous membrane between the first and second metacarpal bones. It supplies blood to the muscles and joints of the thumb and first finger.

The anterior interosseous artery begins from the external carotid artery in the neck. It passes through the interosseous space between the first and second metacarpal bones, where it divides into two branches: the lateral and medial interosseous arteries.

The lateral interosseous artery supplies blood to the skin, muscles and vessels of the thumb and the first phalanx of the first finger. It continues to the finger and branches into small vessels that supply blood to the skin, tendons and muscles of the thumb.

The medial interosseous artery also supplies the thumb and first phalanx of the first digit, but it courses medially and branches before reaching the digit. The branches of this artery supply the skin, muscles, vessels and phalanges of the thumb and second fingers.

The total length of the anterior interosseous artery is about 5-6 cm, and the diameter can vary from 1 to 2 mm. Knowledge of the anatomy of this artery is important for surgeons and other specialists working with the arms and hands.