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AnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsCommon interosseous artery
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AnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsCommon interosseous artery

Common interosseous artery

Author: Kevin Kuschel, MD • Reviewer: Roberto Grujičić, MD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

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Common interosseous artery (Arteria interossea communis)

The common interosseous artery is the third main branch of the ulnar artery. It runs in the distal portion of the cubital fossa, posterior to the upper border of the interosseous membrane. After its short course, the common interosseous artery gives rise to the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries of the forearm.

Via these terminal branches, it supplies the bones and muscles of the forearm.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the common interosseous artery.

Key facts about the common interosseous artery
Origin Ulnar artery (proximal part)
Branches Anterior interosseous and posterior interosseous arteries
Supply Via anterior interosseous artery: radius, ulna, deep forearm flexors
Via posterior interosseous artery: superficial and deep forearm extensors
Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

The common interosseous artery is approximately 1 cm long and begins its course by arising posterolateral to the ulnar artery at the level of the radial tuberosity. It runs deep towards the superior border of the interosseous membrane to split into its two terminal branches, the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries.

Branches and supply

Common interosseous artery
Arteria interossea communis
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Synonyms: Common interosseous branch of ulnar artery, Ramus interosseus communis arteriae ulnaris

The anterior interosseous artery runs along the anterior side of the interosseous membrane and supplies radius, ulna and the deep flexor compartment of the forearm.

The posterior interosseous artery is usually smaller than its anterior counterpart. It pierces the superior portion of the interosseous membrane to enter the extensor compartment of the forearm and gives off the recurrent interosseous artery.

Master the basics of the arteries of the upper extremity with our interactive learning materials.

Main arteries of the upper limb Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Doyle, J. R., Botte M. J. (2003). Surgical Anatomy of the Hand & Upper Extremity (1st ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergman’s comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Common interosseous artery (Arteria interossea communis) - Yousun Koh

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