Superior thoracic artery

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Superior thoracic artery

The superior thoracic artery is a small blood vessel that arises from the first part of the axillary artery. It is one of the branches of the axillary artery, which is a major artery of the upper limb.

Anatomy

The superior thoracic artery typically originates from the first part of the axillary artery, which is located between the lateral border of the first rib and the medial border of the pectoralis minor muscle. It descends along the upper border of the pectoralis minor muscle and supplies blood to the upper part of the thoracic wall and the pectoralis major muscle.

Branches and Supply

The superior thoracic artery provides several small branches that supply the following structures:

• Pectoralis major muscle
• Pectoralis minor muscle
• Serratus anterior muscle
• Intercostal muscles of the first and second intercostal spaces

Clinical Significance

The superior thoracic artery is important in surgical procedures involving the axilla and the upper thoracic region. It is also significant in the context of breast surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Related Arteries

The superior thoracic artery is one of several branches of the axillary artery. Other branches include:

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

See Also

• Axillary artery
• Thoracic wall
• Pectoralis major
• Pectoralis minor
• Serratus anterior