Axillary Artery

Arteria axillaris is the Latin pronunciation for Axillary Artery. Axillary Artery is one of the largest blood vessels supplying oxygenated blood to the lateral aspects of Thorax, Axilla (Armpit) and Upper limb. It originates at the lateral margin of first rib before which it is known as Subclavian Artery and as it moves down, it becomes Brachial Artery.

Subclavian Artery Subclavian Vein Axillary Vein Axillary Artery Brachial Artery Ulnar Artery Radial Artery Basilic Vein

Axillary Artery

ANATOMY

Axillary Artery is divided into three parts based on its location to the Pectoralis Minor Muscle- which lies superficial to the artery. The parts are as follows.

First Part: This part of the artery is medial to Pectoralis Minor Muscle
Second Part: This part of artery lies posterior to Pectoralis Minor Muscle
Third Part: This part of artery lies lateral to the Pectoralis Minor Muscle

Axillary Artery has the company of Axillary Vein which runs medial to the length of this artery. Axillary Artery has several branches and arterial branch is named for its path not the origin. The branches are as follows.

(i) First Part (1 Branch)

Superior Thoracic Artery

(ii) Second Part (2 Branches)

Thoraco Acromial Artery
Lateral Thoracic Artery

(iii) Third Part (3 Branches)

Subscapular Artery
Anterior Humeral Circumflex Artery
Posterior Humeral Circumflex Artery

FUNCTION

The main function of Axillary Artery is to supply oxygenated blood to Thorax, Upper Limb and Axilla (Armpit). The blood is supplied when the three parts of the Axillary Artery work together.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Axillary Artery can be clamped without any harm to the arm but only if its position is proximal to the start of Subscapular Artery. It is also used as arterial cannulation (tube inserted in the body) site during Cardiac surgery for the repair of Aortic Dissection (tear in the inner wall of Aorta) and replacing the Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch.

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