Unilateral Variation of Median Artery with Its Embryological and Clinical

Objective: To document the persistence of median artery and to correlate its clinical significance and embryological development. Materials and methods: This case was observed after thorough and meticulous dissection of both forearms of a 70 year old male cadaver in Department of Anatomy at Mamata Medical College, Khammam. Results: In the present case the persistent median artery originated from anterior interosseous artery. It was in anterior relation to the median nerve with thickness of 1.8 mm in the carpel tunnel. It did not take part in the formation of superficial palmar arch in the hand. Conclusion: With the advent of micro vascular surgery and reconstructive surgeries it is important to recognize and document the developmental variation in course, distribution and branching pattern of the arteries of upper limb. Recognition and documentation of this type of anatomical variation is highly significant during the surgeries of carpel tunnel syndrome. Key words: persistent median artery, superficial palmar arc