Radial artery

Definition

The radial artery is a major artery in the forearm that supplies blood to the lateral aspect of the arm and hand. It is palpable at the wrist, where it is commonly used to assess the pulse.

Related terms

Brachial Artery: The main artery of the upper arm that divides into the radial and ulnar arteries, which supply blood to the forearm.

Pulse: The rhythmic throbbing of arterial walls as blood is pumped through them, often felt at points such as where the radial artery crosses the wrist.

Circulatory Pathways:

The routes taken by blood as it circulates through the heart, arteries, capillaries, veins, and back to the heart