<Li> Radialis indicis - arises close to the princeps pollicis . The two arteries may arise from a common trunk, the first palmar metacarpal artery . </Li> <Li> Deep palmar arch - terminal part of radial artery . </Li> <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>

Where does the radial artery enter the hand