Variations in the Course and Branching Structure of the Superficial Palmar Arch Within an Anatolian Population

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 485–496

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000208

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Variations in the Course and Branching Structure of the Superficial Palmar Arch Within an Anatolian Population

Names of Authors: Caner K. Özkan¹, Bülent S. Demir²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey; ²Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract:
The vascularization of the hand is characterized by rich anastomotic networks, where the superficial palmar arch (SPA) serves as the core distribution pathway for the fingers. This study categorized the completeness, source vessels, and branching variations of the SPA to improve clinical safety margins during hand surgery. Dissections were performed on 60 hand specimens from 30 formalin-fixed adult human cadavers. The SPA configurations were classified into complete arches (where anastomotic connections are fully established) and incomplete arches based on standard classifications. A complete SPA was observed in 78.3% of hands (n = 47). The most common variant within this group was the radio-ulnar configuration, where the arch was formed by the anastomosis of the superficial branch of the ulnar artery with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (55.0%). In contrast, an incomplete SPA was documented in 21.7% of hand specimens (n = 13), wherein the ulnar artery failed to anastomose with a corresponding radial or median vessel, terminating directly as the common digital artery of the thumb or index finger. The mean diameter of the ulnar contributor to the arch was 2.15 ± 0.32 mm. These vascular statistics highlight that incomplete palmar networks are highly prevalent, reinforcing the importance of performing pre-operative Allen tests or duplex Doppler assessments prior to harvesting radial forearm flaps or performing palmar incisions.

Keywords: Superficial Palmar Arch, Ulnar Artery, Radial Artery, Anatomical Variations, Hand Surgery, Cadaveric Dissection

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 25, 2026; Revised: September 20, 2026; Accepted: September 28, 2026; Published: September 30, 2026

Citation: Özkan C.K., & Demir B.S. (2026). Variations in the Course and Branching Structure of the Superficial Palmar Arch Within an Anatolian Population. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 485–496. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000208

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