Final answer:
The ulnar artery is the primary blood vessel that supplies the anterior compartment of the forearm, running parallel to the ulna bone and giving off smaller branches before fusing with the radial artery to form the palmar arches. Correct answer is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key blood vessel that supplies the anterior compartment of the forearm is the ulnar artery. The ulnar artery is formed at the bifurcation of the brachial artery, running parallel to the ulna bone and giving off smaller branches through the forearm. This artery reaches the carpal region where it joins the radial artery to form the superficial and deep palmar arches, which in turn supply blood to the hand and digits. Additionally, the ulnar artery contributes to the blood supply of the lower arm and carpal region, highlighting its crucial role in the circulation to the forearm's flexor compartment.
As the brachial artery approaches the coronoid fossa, it splits into the ulnar and radial arteries. While the radial artery also plays a vital role, paralleling the radius bone and eventually fusing with the ulnar artery to form the palmar arches, the ulnar artery is the primary vessel serving the anterior compartment of the forearm with oxygenated blood. The ulnar artery not only parallels the ulna but also gives rise to smaller branches that contribute to the anterior forearm's vascular network.