Subclavian artery

Anatomy

Course
The subclavian arteries are two major vessels in the thorax that pass beneath the clavicles.

The left and right subclavian arteries have slightly different courses. The left subclavian artery branches directly from the arch of the aorta, just before it begins its descent. It begins lower in the thorax than the right subclavian artery.

The right subclavian artery branches from the brachiocephalic trunk. It ascends and arches laterally, passing behind the anterior scalene muscle and in front of the scalenus medius muscle. It then passes over the lateral border of the first rib and becomes the axillary artery.

Supply

Gives off branches that supply some of the neck muscles, and it is responsible for the blood supply of the arm via the axillary artery.

Clinical

Damage to the subclavian arteries is rare, as they are well protected by the skeleton, however, damage to the clavicle or the first rib may injure the vessel. The subclavian artery is also prone to thrombosis and aneurysm – this is common in young individuals who do a lot of upper body activity.

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