Ulnar Artery (Full)

arteria ulnaris

The ulnar artery is the larger forearm artery, providing the primary supply to the superficial palmar arch. The common interosseous artery arises from its proximal portion to supply the interosseous compartments. The ulnar artery passes through Guyon's canal with the ulnar nerve — its aneurysm (hypothenar hammer syndrome from repetitive palm impacts) compresses the ulnar nerve and produces digital ischaemia.

Region: Forearm

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Bifurcation of the brachial artery at the antecubital fossa (larger of the two terminal branches)

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Hypothenar hammer syndrome from repetitive ulnar palm trauma (using the palm as a hammer) produces ulnar artery aneurysm or thrombosis in Guyon's canal, causing ulnar nerve compression and finger ischaemia. Doppler ultrasound confirms absent ulnar artery flow. Treatment: anticoagulation, sympathectomy, or ulnar artery ligation and bypass for severe ischaemia.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome

Ulnar artery aneurysm from repetitive palm trauma producing digital ischaemia and ulnar neuropathy managed with anticoagulation or surgical bypass.