Axillary Artery
1. Introduction
The axillary artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the upper limb,
shoulder, and thoracic region. It is a continuation of the subclavian artery and transitions into the
brachial artery.
2. Anatomy and Location
- Origin: The axillary artery begins at the lateral border of the first rib as a continuation of the
subclavian artery.
- Termination: It ends at the lower border of the teres major muscle, where it continues as the
brachial artery.
- Relations:
* Lies in the axilla (armpit).
* Surrounded by the cords of the brachial plexus.
3. Divisions and Branches
The axillary artery is divided into three parts based on its relation to the pectoralis minor muscle:
First Part (Proximal to pectoralis minor):
- Superior thoracic artery - supplies the first two intercostal spaces and upper part of the serratus
anterior muscle.
Second Part (Behind the pectoralis minor):
- Thoracoacromial artery - gives off four branches: clavicular, acromial, deltoid, and pectoral.
- Lateral thoracic artery - supplies the serratus anterior and lateral thoracic wall.
Third Part (Distal to pectoralis minor):
- Subscapular artery - gives rise to the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries.
- Anterior circumflex humeral artery - encircles the surgical neck of the humerus.
- Posterior circumflex humeral artery - passes through the quadrangular space with the axillary
nerve.
4. Clinical Significance
- Aneurysm of Axillary Artery: Rare but may compress the brachial plexus, causing neurological
symptoms.
- Trauma: The axillary artery is prone to injury due to its superficial location in the axilla.
- Surgical Importance: Used as a landmark during surgeries involving the brachial plexus or upper
limb.
5. Summary
The axillary artery is a vital structure supplying the upper limb. Its strategic anatomical position and
branches highlight its clinical and surgical importance.
6. References
- Gray's Anatomy
- Clinical Anatomy by Richard S. Snell
