Axillary artery

Axillary artery is a large blood vessel that conveys oxygenated blood to various parts of the upper body, including the pectoral region, axilla, and upper limb. It is a continuation of the subclavian artery and becomes the brachial artery after it crosses the lower border of the teres major muscle.

Anatomy

The axillary artery begins at the lateral border of the first rib, becoming the brachial artery at the lower border of the teres major. It is divided into three parts by the pectoralis minor muscle. The first part contains one branch, the second part two branches, and the third part three branches.

Branches

The axillary artery gives off several branches, which supply blood to the chest, shoulder, and upper limb. These include:

• Superior thoracic artery
• Thoracoacromial artery
• Lateral thoracic artery
• Subscapular artery
• Anterior circumflex humeral artery
• Posterior circumflex humeral artery

Clinical significance

The axillary artery is of clinical importance in several medical and surgical contexts. It can be involved in thoracic outlet syndrome, aneurysm, and arteriovenous fistula. It is also a common site for arterial puncture during cardiac catheterization.

See also

• Arteries of the upper limb
• Axillary vein
• Axillary nerve