<P> In less than 1% of the population, the radial artery takes a superficial course in the anatomical snuff box . This arterial variation can be mistaken for the cephalic vein as accidental injection of this variant radial artery has been reported . Identifying arterial pulsation in the anatomical snuff box is therefore recommended . </P> <P> The radial artery lies superficially in front of the distal end of the radius, between the tendons of the brachioradialis and flexor carpi radialis; it is here that clinician takes the radial pulse . (where it is commonly used to assess the heart rate and cardiac rhythm). Presence of radial pulse was thought to indicate a systolic blood pressure of at least 70 mmHg, as estimated from the 50% percentile, although this was found to generally be an overestimation of a patient's true blood pressure . The radial artery can be less easily felt as it crosses the anatomical snuff box . The radial artery is used for coronary artery bypass grafting and is growing in popularity among cardiac surgeons . Recently, it has been shown to have a superior peri-operative and post-operative course when compared to saphenous vein grafts . </P> <P> The radial artery is often punctured in a common procedure to obtain an arterial blood gas . Such a procedure may first involve an Allen's test . </P> <P> The radial artery is a common site for the insertion of an arterial line, such as for blood pressure monitoring in an intensive care unit . It is selected because it is accessible, and because of the low incidence of complications such as thrombosis . </P>

Where does the radial artery supply blood to