Arteria thoracica lateralis

Arteria thoracica lateralis

The arteria thoracica lateralis (also known as the lateral thoracic artery) is a branch of the axillary artery that supplies blood to the lateral aspect of the thoracic wall. It is an important vessel in the human body, providing oxygenated blood to various structures in the chest region.

Anatomy

The arteria thoracica lateralis arises from the second part of the axillary artery, which is located in the axilla (armpit). It runs along the lateral aspect of the thoracic wall, parallel to the ribs. The artery gives off several branches that supply different structures in the chest.

Branches

The branches of the arteria thoracica lateralis include:

• Pectoral branches: These branches supply the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles, which are important muscles involved in movements of the shoulder and upper limb.

• Serratus anterior branches: These branches supply the serratus anterior muscle, which is responsible for protracting the scapula (shoulder blade) and assisting in movements of the arm.

• Intercostal branches: These branches supply the intercostal muscles, which are located between the ribs and play a role in respiration.

Clinical Significance

The arteria thoracica lateralis is commonly used as a source for vascular grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery. Surgeons can harvest a segment of the artery and use it to bypass a blocked coronary artery, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.

See Also

• Axillary artery
• Coronary artery bypass surgery