Subclavian artery

Subclavian artery is a major artery of the upper body, located in the thorax, responsible for supplying blood to the brain, neck, and arms. It originates from the aortic arch on the left side and from the brachiocephalic artery on the right side.

Anatomy

The subclavian artery is divided into three parts. The first part extends from its origin to the medial border of the anterior scalene muscle. The second part lies behind the anterior scalene. The third part extends from the lateral border of the scalene to the lateral border of the first rib, at which point it becomes the axillary artery.

Branches

The branches of the subclavian artery vary, but typically include the vertebral artery, the internal thoracic artery, the thyrocervical trunk, the costocervical trunk, and the dorsal scapular artery.

Clinical significance

The subclavian artery may be involved in several pathologies, including Subclavian steal syndrome, aneurysms, and arteriovenous fistulas.

See also

• Aorta
• Brachiocephalic artery
• Scalene muscles
• Axillary artery
• Subclavian steal syndrome
• Aneurysm
• Arteriovenous fistula

Subclavian artery Resources
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