Where is the artery located and what is its course?
The vessel originates from the common interosseous artery (a. interossea communis). In the forearm, the anterior interosseous artery lies on the interosseous membrane (membrana interossea), passing deeply beneath the flexor pollicis longus (m. flexor pollicis longus) and flexor digitorum profundus (m. flexor digitorum profundus).
Distally, it reaches the pronator quadratus (m. pronator quadratus), after which it continues into the palmar carpal network via the r. carpeus palmaris.
In the lower third of the forearm, the anterior interosseous artery pierces the interosseous membrane from front to back and enters the posterior fascial compartment of the forearm. Through a natural aperture in the interosseous membrane, the anterior interosseous artery also passes from Pirogov's space (Parona's space) into the posterior region.
What branches does the vessel give off and what does it supply?
Along its course, the a. interossea anterior gives off branches to the surrounding anatomical structures:
- Nutrient arteries — directed to the radius and ulna.
- Muscular branches — supply the deep finger flexors, the flexor pollicis longus of the hand (m. flexor pollicis longus), the flexor digitorum profundus (m. flexor digitorum profundus), and the pronator quadratus (m. pronator quadratus).
- Branches to the median nerve — accompany the n. medianus in the upper third of the forearm; these include branches of the a. comitans n. mediani.
What structures are related to the topography of the artery?
On the anterior surface of the forearm, the anterior interosseous artery runs together with the radial (a. radialis) and ulnar (a. ulnaris) arteries. These arteries run parallel and have muscular branches that anastomose with each other.
In the upper third of the forearm, the anterior interosseous artery accompanies the median nerve (n. medianus). In the lower third of the forearm, it pierces the interosseous membrane from front to back and enters the posterior fascial compartment. It participates in collateral circulation in case of damage or ligation of the main forearm arteries, including the posterior interosseous artery.
What is the clinical significance of the artery?
In its caliber, the anterior interosseous artery is often not inferior to the radial artery (a. radialis). The well-developed network of anastomoses between the forearm arteries can compensate for impaired or completely halted blood flow in one of the main trunk arteries.
Class and exam questions
Where does the anterior interosseous artery run in the forearm?
It is located on the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane beneath the deep finger flexors and the flexor pollicis longus.
Which muscles does the a. interossea anterior supply?
It supplies the flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus, and pronator quadratus.
Is the anterior interosseous artery part of the collateral blood flow?
Yes, it participates in the collateral circulation of the forearm in case of damage or ligation of the main forearm arteries.
What else to study on this topic
- Common interosseous artery (a. interossea communis)
- Posterior interosseous artery (a. interossea posterior)
- Median nerve (n. medianus)
- Pronator quadratus (m. pronator quadratus)
- Parona's space (Pirogov's space)
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