Final answer:
The radial artery is a major artery in the arm that supplies blood to the lower arm and wrist region. It also serves as a common site for measuring pulse. The radial vein is a parallel vein that returns blood from the hand and wrist area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The radial artery is formed at the bifurcation of the brachial artery and runs parallel to the radius bone. It gives off smaller branches and eventually fuses with the ulnar artery to form the superficial and deep palmar arches in the wrist region. The radial artery supplies blood to the lower arm and carpal region.
In addition to its role in blood supply, the radial artery is also commonly used to measure pulse. Pulse can be measured at various pulse points, but the radial artery is the most readily accessible for taking pulse.
The radial vein is a vein that parallels the radial artery and arises from the palmar venous arches. It leads to the brachial vein and is part of the venous return pathway.