Vessel
Subclavian artery
Root artery of the upper limb
High-yield
Passes between the anterior and middle scalene muscles; becomes the axillary artery at the outer border of the first rib.
Overview
The artery supplying the upper limb and part of the neck and brain; it becomes the axillary artery at the lateral border of the first rib.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- Right: brachiocephalic trunk. Left: aortic arch
- Branches / tributaries
- Vertebral artery; Internal thoracic artery; Thyrocervical trunk; Costocervical trunk
- Supplies
- Upper limb, neck, brain (vertebral), and anterior thoracic wall
- Course
- Arches over the first rib between the scalene muscles and continues as the axillary artery at the rib's lateral border
Frequently asked questions
Where does the subclavian artery originate?
Right: brachiocephalic trunk. Left: aortic arch.
What does the subclavian artery supply?
The subclavian artery supplies the upper limb, neck, brain (vertebral), and anterior thoracic wall.
What are the branches of the subclavian artery?
Branches of the subclavian artery include the vertebral artery; Internal thoracic artery; Thyrocervical trunk; Costocervical trunk.
What is the course of the subclavian artery?
Arches over the first rib between the scalene muscles and continues as the axillary artery at the rib's lateral border.