Arteria subclavia

Arteria Subclavia is a major artery in the human body that originates from the aortic arch on the left side and from the brachiocephalic artery on the right side. It is responsible for supplying blood to the upper limbs, as well as parts of the thorax, neck, and head.

Anatomy

The arteria subclavia is divided into three parts. The first part extends from its origin to the medial border of the scalenus anterior muscle. The second part lies behind the scalenus anterior, and the third part extends from the lateral border of the scalenus anterior to the outer border of the first rib, where it continues as the axillary artery.

Branches

The branches of the arteria subclavia vary depending on its part. The first part gives rise to the vertebral artery, the internal thoracic artery, and the thyrocervical trunk. The second part can give rise to the costocervical trunk, and the third part usually has no branches.

Clinical Significance

The arteria subclavia can be involved in several pathological conditions. For instance, a subclavian steal syndrome can occur when there is a stenosis or occlusion of the subclavian artery proximal to the origin of the vertebral artery. This can lead to reversed blood flow in the vertebral artery, potentially causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and syncope.

See Also

• Aorta
• Axillary artery
• Brachiocephalic artery
• Vertebral artery