Subclavian arteries

Subclavian arteries are a pair of major arteries of the upper thorax, below the clavicle. They receive blood from the aortic arch. The left subclavian artery supplies blood to the left arm and the right subclavian artery supplies blood to the right arm, with some branches supplying the head and thorax. On the left side of the body, the subclavian comes directly off the aortic arch, while on the right side it arises from the brachiocephalic artery when it bifurcates into the subclavian and the carotid artery.

Structure

The subclavian arteries are paired major arteries of the upper thorax, below the clavicle. They receive blood from the aortic arch. The left subclavian artery supplies blood to the left arm and the right subclavian artery supplies blood to the right arm. Some branches supply the head and thorax.

Left subclavian artery

The left subclavian artery arises from the aortic arch behind the left common carotid. The left subclavian becomes the axillary artery at the lateral border of the first rib.

Right subclavian artery

The right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic artery when it bifurcates into the subclavian and the carotid artery. The right subclavian becomes the axillary artery at the lateral border of the first rib.

Function

The subclavian arteries supply blood to the arms, but they also supply blood to the brain via the vertebral arteries and to the thoracic wall, with branches to the thoracic spine and the meninges of the anterior and middle cranial fossae.

Clinical significance

Subclavian steal syndrome occurs when a blockage in the subclavian artery forces blood to be "stolen" from the basilar artery in the brain. This can lead to vertigo, weakness, and other symptoms.

See also

• Aorta
• Aortic arch
• Axillary artery
• Brachiocephalic artery
• Carotid artery
• Subclavian steal syndrome

References

Subclavian arteries Resources
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