Unorthodox superficial palmar arch observed in a South Indian cadaver: a case report

Variations in formation of the superficial palmar arch are common. A classic superficial palmar arch is defined as direct continuity between the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. During routine dissection classes to undergraduate medical students we have observed formation of superficial palmar arch solely by superficial branch of ulnar artery without any contribution from the radial artery or median artery. Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the arterial pattern of the hand is crucial for safe and successful hand surgery.