A complex variation in the superficial palmar arch

Abstract

In this article we describe a unique and complex variation in the arterial pattern of the left hand of a female cadaver. The following variations were found in this case: a) persistent median artery of the palmar type, terminating in the hand as the princeps pollicis and radialis indicis arteries; b) the ulnar artery giving only two common palmar digital arteries; c) the second digital palmar artery without division into two digital branches and instead supplying only the radial side of the ring finger; d) absence of the first common digital artery with the contiguous sides of the second web space supplied by the first palmar metacarpal artery from the deep palmar arch; e) early bifurcation of the median nerve proximal to the flexor retinaculum.