palmar arch

noun

: either of two loops of blood vessels in the palm of the hand:

a

: a deeply situated transverse artery that is composed of the terminal part of the radial artery joined to a branch of the ulnar artery and that supplies principally the deep muscles of the hand, thumb, and index finger

called also deep palmar arch

b

: a superficial arch that is the continuation of the ulnar artery which anastomoses with a branch derived from the radial artery and that sends branches mostly to the fingers

called also superficial palmar arch