dorsal carpal arch dorsal carpal arch the dorsal carpal arch (dorsal carpal network, posterior carpal arch) is an anatomical term for the combination (anastomosis) of dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery and the dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery near the back of the wrist. dorsal carpal archarteries of the handdetailssourcedorsal carpal branch of the radial artery, dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar arterybranchesdorsal metacarpal arteriesidentifierslatinrete carpale dorsaleta98a12.2.09.033ta24647anatomical terminology it is made up of the dorsal carpal branches of both the ulnar and radial arteries. it also anastomoses with the anterior interosseous artery and the posterior interosseous artery. the arch gives off three dorsal metacarpal arteries.