The superficial palmar arch (superficial volar arch) is formed predominantly by the ulnar artery, with a contribution from the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery.

The arch passes across the palm in a curve with its convexity downward.

If one were to fully extend the thumb, the superficial palmar arch would lie approximately at the level of a line drawn from the distal border of the thumb across the palm. The superficial palmar arch is more distal than the deep palmar arch.

Three common palmar digital arteries (also called ulnar metacarpal arteries) arise from the arch, proceeding down on the second, third, and fourth lumbrical muscles, respectively. They each receive a contribution from a palmar metacarpal artery. Near the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints, each common palmar digital artery divides into two proper palmar digital arteries.