Humans Developing Extra Arm Artery: Here's Why

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14 Sept 2024

Humans are experiencing a subtle evolutionary change with the rise of an extra forearm artery


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The median artery, which typically vanishes after birth, is increasingly persisting in modern adults


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Researchers from Flinders University found that this artery is now three times more common


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In the 1880s, only 10% of people had this artery, compared to 30% today


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The median artery forms during embryonic development, usually regressing around eight weeks into pregnancy


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Persistent median arteries may provide extra blood to the hand but can increase carpal tunnel risks


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Researchers studied 80 cadaver limbs, noting an increased prevalence of this artery in adults


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Evolutionary pressures, genetic mutations, or pregnancy health issues may contribute to this artery's persistence


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The study suggests this evolutionary trend may result in most people having the artery by 2100


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Microevolutionary changes like this artery's persistence could significantly affect human anatomy and health


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