Arteries are multi-layered tubes that take blood from the heart to other places in the body. There are six arteries that travel into the hand. They are:
Deep Palmar Arch
Named for its shape of an arch, the deep palmar arch is small but important. This vessel sends off small branches to supply blood to the thumb and index finger.
Superficial Palmar Arch
Also named for its shape of an arch, this vessel communicates with the deep palmar arch and also gives off important branches that supply blood to the fingers. These are called the common digital arteries.
Common Digital Arteries
The common digital arteries are small vessels that come from the palmar arches and supply blood to the fingers. They are called “common” because when they split to become the proper digital arteries, most of these vessels provide blood to two different fingers.
Digital Arteries to the Thumb
The thumb receives its blood supply from the digital arteries.