FOREARM AND HAND 95 



the hand a plexus of superficial veins will be seen. In de- 

 fining this, care must be taken of the fine cutaneous twigs 

 from the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the dorsal 

 branch of the ulnar nerve. From the lateral part of the 

 venous plexus the large cephalic vein takes origin, whilst from 

 its medial part springs the basilic vein. Both of these vessels 

 have already been traced along the forearm to their termina- 

 tions. While still upon the dorsum of the hand each com- 

 municates with the rami profundi in the palm of the hand. 



Nervi Cutanei (Cutaneous Nerves). Several cutaneous 

 nerves have already been traced to the integument of the 

 forearm, viz. the volar and ulnar branches of the medial 

 cutaneous nerve of the forearm to the medial aspect, the 

 lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm to the lateral region, 

 and the dorsal cutaneous nerve of the forearm from the n. 

 radialis on the dorsal aspect. Some additional twigs make 

 their appearance by piercing the fascia in the distal third of 

 the forearm. 



1. The n. cutaneus palmaris of the n. ulnaris, ^ 



2. The n. cutaneus palmaris of the n. medianus, | , , 



3. The n. cutaneus palmaris of the ramus super- f or 



ficialis of the n. radialis, J 



1. The ramus dorsal manus of the n. ulnaris, 1 ,, , , 



2. The ramus superficial of the n. radialis, / or Drsal as P ect " 



Rami Cutanei Palmares (Palmar Cutaneous Nerves). 

 These are small twigs which supply the skin of the palm. 

 The twig from the ulnar nerve takes origin about the middle 

 of the forearm, but it does not at once pierce the fascia of 

 the forearm. It proceeds distally on the ulnar artery, and 

 becomes superficial immediately proximal to the lig. carpi 

 transversum (anterior annular lig.), and close to the lateral 

 side of the insertion of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon into the 

 pisiform bone. It is here, therefore, that it must be sought 

 for (Fig. 27, p. 66). 



The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve appears 

 through the deep fascia in the interval between the tendons 

 of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus muscles, 

 immediately above the wrist. It is continued distally into 

 the palm (Fig. 27, p. 66). 



The palmar branch of the superficial division of the 

 radial nerve runs close to the lateral border of the distal part 

 of the forearm. It does not spring from the trunk of the 



