A preliminary survey of the median artery in human cadavers of South Indian origin

Background: The median artery is a transitory vessel that represents the arterial axis of the forearm during early embryonic life. It normally regresses in the second embryonic month. Its persistence in the human adult has been recorded in 2 different patterns: as a large, long vessel (palmar type) which reaches the hand; or as a small and short vessel (antebrachial type) which ends before reaching the wrist joint. The palmar type is of major clinical significance. Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence and course of the palmar type of the median artery in South Indian cadavers. Material and methods: 25 upper limbs of South Indian cadavers were taken to study the median artery. Results: The occurrence of median artery was 8 %; of which 4 % was on the right side and the other 4 % was on the left side. On both sides, the artery originated from the ulnar artery. On the right side, the artery was involved in the formation of superficial palmar arch, whereas the artery on the left side did not join the arch; it terminated as 1st and 2nd common palmar digital arteries. Conclusion: Persistent median artery is closely related to the anterior interosseous nerve, it is possible that the artery may compress the anterior interosseous nerve and cause the anterior interosseous nerve syndrome.