Princeps Pollicis Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the radial artery in the distal palm, the princeps pollicis artery courses distally along the palmar aspect of the first metacarpal toward the thumb, giving off branches that track toward the ulnar and radial sides of the proximal and distal phalanges. Across the anterior view, the vessel sits superficial to the metacarpals and phalanges but deep to where the thenar soft tissues would overlie it, with the carpal bones and distal radius and ulna forming the proximal bony backdrop. Adjacent arterial channels of the superficial and deep palmar arches and their digital branches are shown in spatial continuity with the first web space. Veins run in parallel return pathways. For hand surgeons, this artery is a key landmark because it represents the dominant inflow to the thumb and is frequently encountered in approaches around the first metacarpal and the thenar eminence, including osteosynthesis, tendon repair, and exposure for thenar compartment work. Traumatic lacerations in the first web space and iatrogenic injury during thumb replantation or revascularization planning can compromise the princeps pollicis artery, and the resulting ischemia is clinically obvious. Variants in origin and caliber matter. Use this illustration for gross anatomy and upper-limb dissection teaching, for surgical atlases covering thumb vascular anatomy, or as a figure in clinical education on digital ischemia, flap planning, and microvascular anastomosis in the hand. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.