Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

Which artery supplies blood primarily to the forearms and hands?

1. Ulnar artery

2. Aorta

3. Radial artery

4. Brachial artery

The correct answer is: Radial artery

The radial artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the forearms and hands. It branches off from the brachial artery, which is the major artery of the upper arm, and travels down the radial side of the forearm. This artery provides oxygenated blood to the structures of the forearm and the wrist, eventually forming the superficial and deep palmar arches in the hand. The radial artery is particularly significant for its role in the supply of blood to the lateral aspects of the forearm and the thumb side of the hand, making it essential for the proper function of these areas. In contrast, while the ulnar artery also supplies blood to parts of the forearm and hand, its distribution is more focused on the medial side and the little finger side of the hand. The aorta, as the central artery of the body, supplies blood to various regions but is not directly responsible for the forearms and hands. The brachial artery, while critical as a precursor to the radial and ulnar arteries, does not directly supply the hands and forearms itself; instead, it branches to form arteries that do. Thus, the radial artery is the most accurate answer regarding blood supply to the forearms and hands.