Princeps pollicis artery

The princeps pollicis artery is a small muscular artery that branches from the deep palmar arch. This artery then ascends the thumb passing between two muscles. The function of the princeps pollicis artery is to perfuse the bones, muscles, nerves, and skin of the thumb.

The superficial palmar arch (superficial volar arch; arcus volaris superficialis) is formed by the ulnar artery, and is usually completed by a branch from the a. volaris indicis radialis, but sometimes by the superficial volar or by a branch from the princeps pollicis artery of the radial artery.