The artery winds laterally around the wrist, passing through the anatomical snuff box and between the heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle.

The named branches of the radial artery may be divided into three groups, corresponding with the three regions in which the vessel is situated.

[4] Recently, it has been shown to have a superior peri-operative and post-operative course when compared to saphenous vein grafts.

The radial artery is also used to evaluate the collateral circulation of blood through the hands; applying pressure through palpating the palmar arches results in paleness over the area being compressed; adequate collateral circulation can be ascertained by how quickly normal colour returns after the pressure is removed.

[9] Cimino fistula This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 592 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)