External mammary artery

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

External mammary artery

The thoracic arteries. (External mammary artery labeled at center right.)

The External mammary artery is a small artery that arises from the axillary artery, opposite the thoracoacromial artery. It is also known as the lateral thoracic artery.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The external mammary artery runs along the lateral edge of the pectoralis minor muscle, giving off several branches to the muscle and continuing towards the mammary gland. It supplies blood to the lateral part of the mammary gland and the overlying skin.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The external mammary artery is of clinical significance in breast reconstruction surgery, where it can be used as a source of blood supply for a flap of tissue.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD