The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery is located in the hand, near the thenar muscles and the metacarpal bones. The branch comes at the end of the radial artery, which runs the length of the forearm, in close proximity to the radius bone. It joins with the palmar branch of the ulnar artery, creating the superficial palmar arch. From there, the palmar digital arteries arise and run into the hand's four fingers. The size of the branch may vary from person to person. Still, the function remains the same, the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery aids in dispersing oxygenated blood throughout the hand, especially as it works as a conduit connecting other arteries. The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery is relatively small, when compared to the other arterial vessels in the hand. While comparatively rare, thrombosis or blockage in the branch or other hand arteries could starve off oxygenated blood from the fingers.