The Function of the Radial Artery

The radial artery originates in the forearm, receiving blood supply from a feeder artery before, in turn, distributing the traveling blood to additional arteries.

Function

The function of the radial artery is to carry blood and oxygen through each lower arm while supplying ancillary arteries. It continues to travel into the wrist and palm.

Features

The radial artery forms in the elbow, branching off from the brachial artery. It is the source of the pulse rate commonly taken in the wrist.

Branches

Three additional groups of arteries receive their supply of blood from the radial artery. These branches are divided into regions in the forearm, at the wrist and in the hand.

Benefits

Medicine is now using the radial artery as a resource for heart bypass surgery. "In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision near the wrist and one near the forearm," according to The Cleveland Clinic. A portion of the radial is removed and re-attached in the chest.

Considerations

Surgeons have developed an additional function of the radial artery. It is now used as an entry point for cardiac catheterization during certain heart procedures. "The cardiologist threads the thin catheter through the body's network of arteries in the arm and into the chest, eventually reaching the heart," says The Texas Heart Institute.

References

• Texas Heart Institute: Radial Artery Access
• Cleveland Clinic: Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Harvesting

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Patient UK: Arteries of the Body