Arteria axillaris

Arteria Axillaris is the Latin term for the axillary artery, a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the pectoral region, axilla (armpit), and the upper limb. It is part of the arterial system and is a continuation of the subclavian artery.

Anatomy

The arteria axillaris begins at the lateral border of the first rib, becoming the brachial artery at the lower border of the teres major muscle. It is divided into three parts by the pectoralis minor muscle.

First Part

The first part of the arteria axillaris has one branch, the superior thoracic artery. This artery supplies the first and second intercostal spaces as well as the superior part of the seratus anterior muscle.

Second Part

The second part of the arteria axillaris lies behind the pectoralis minor muscle and has two branches: the thoracoacromial artery and the lateral thoracic artery. The thoracoacromial artery has several branches that supply the pectoral muscles, deltoid muscle, acromion, and clavicle. The lateral thoracic artery supplies the lateral chest wall and the breast.

Third Part

The third part of the arteria axillaris is the part that is lateral to the pectoralis minor muscle. It has three branches: the subscapular artery, the anterior circumflex humeral artery, and the posterior circumflex humeral artery. These arteries supply the shoulder joint, deltoid muscle, and parts of the arm and chest wall.

Clinical Significance

The arteria axillaris can be involved in several medical conditions. For example, an aneurysm can occur in the artery, leading to symptoms such as pain and swelling in the armpit. The artery can also be compressed in thoracic outlet syndrome, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm.

See Also

• Arterial system
• Axilla
• Brachial artery
• Subclavian artery