The term "arteria superficialis volae" is used in anatomy to describe a small artery that courses through the palm of the hand. It is often misspelled due to its complex Latin roots and lengthy use in the medical industry. To correctly spell the word, one must break it down by syllables: "ar-te-ri-a su-per-fi-ci-a-lis vo-lae." Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), this can be transcribed as /ɑrˈtɛria suːpɜrˈfɪʃɪˈælis ˈvoʊleɪ/. Proper spelling of medical terms is crucial for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Arteria superficialis volae, also known as the superficial palmar arch, is a term used in anatomical descriptions to refer to a major arterial structure found in the human hand. Specifically, it is an important blood vessel located on the palmar side (palm) of the hand.
The term "arteria superficialis volae" is of Latin origin, with "arteria" meaning artery, "superficialis" denoting something that is near the surface, and "volae" referring to the palm.
This arterial structure is formed by the union of two arteries: the ulnar artery and the radial artery. The ulnar artery is one of the main branches of the brachial artery, while the radial artery is a continuation of the brachial artery after it passes into the forearm.
The arteria superficialis volae lies just beneath the skin and runs longitudinally across the palm, supplying blood to the muscles, skin, and other soft tissues of the hand. It gives rise to several branches that provide arterial supply to the fingers and thumb, forming an extensive network of blood vessels.
The importance of the arteria superficialis volae lies in its role as a major contributor to the arterial supply of the hand, ensuring oxygen-rich blood reaches the various structures within the palm. Knowledge of its anatomy is crucial for medical professionals when considering surgical procedures or diagnosing certain conditions affecting the hand.
Ramus volaris superficialis; origin, radialis; distribution, ball of thumb; anastomoses, sometimes with ulnaris to form superficia palmar arch (arcus volaris superficialis).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.