Posterior interosseous artery
The posterior interosseous artery is located in the forearm of the human body and is sometimes confused with the dorsal interosseous artery. The artery runs the length of the forearm, directly beside the oblique cord. The oblique cord is located directly between the two major bones of the forearm: the radius and ulnar. The artery also sits beside the interosseous membrane, which keeps the bones of the forearm separated. The interosseous artery picks up oxygenated blood on the way from the heart and carries it to the muscles and veins of the forearm. The artery sits directly between the deep layer muscles and superficial muscles. The superficial muscles are the muscles located just beneath the skin, while the deep layer muscles are hidden beneath the skin. The artery runs alongside the dorsal interosseous artery. At the bottom of the forearm, it joints with the volar interosseous artery and becomes part of the dorsal carpal network. The posterior interosseous artery also connects to the radial collateral branch, which is part of the profunda brachii, located at the upper part of the arm, near the shoulder.
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In Depth: Posterior interosseous artery