Axillary artery 2330286 205328663 2008-04-13T14:12:01Z Thijs!bot 1392310 robot Adding: [[nds:Arteria axillaris]] {{Infobox Artery | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = arteria axillaris | GraySubject = 149 | GrayPage = 586 | Image = Axillary limits.PNG | Caption = '''Axillary artery''' and its branches - anterior view of right upper limb and thorax. Upper and lower limits labeled. | Image2 = Pectoralis minor.png | Caption2 = The [[pectoralis minor]] is used as a landmark for dividing the axillary artery into three parts. | BranchFrom = [[subclavian artery]] | BranchTo = [[Superior thoracic artery|Superior thoracic]]<BR>[[Thoracoacromial artery|Thoracoacromial]]<BR>[[Lateral thoracic artery|Lateral thoracic]]<BR>[[Subscapular artery|Subscapular]]<BR>[[Anterior circumflex humeral artery|Anterior circumflex humeral]]<BR>[[Posterior circumflex humeral artery|Posterior circumflex humeral]] | Vein = [[axillary vein]] | Supplies = [[axilla]] | MeshName = Axillary+Artery | MeshNumber = A07.231.114.085 | DorlandsPre = a_61 | DorlandsSuf = 12153528 | }} In [[human anatomy]], the '''axillary artery''' is a large [[blood vessel]] that conveys oxygenated [[blood]] to the lateral aspect of the [[thorax]], the [[axilla]] (armpit) and the [[upper limb]]. Its origin is at the lateral margin of the first [[rib]], before which it is called the [[subclavian artery]]. After passing the lower margin of [[teres major muscle|teres major]] it becomes the [[brachial artery]]. ==Relation to pectoralis minor: division into three parts== The axillary artery is often referred to as having three parts, with these divisions based on its location relative to the [[pectoralis minor]] muscle, which is in front of the artery. * First part - the part of the artery medial to pectoralis minor * Second part - the part of the artery that lies behind pectoralis minor * Third part - the part of the artery lateral to pectoralis minor ==Relation to nerves and vein== The axillary artery is accompanied by the [[axillary vein]] along its length. In the axilla, it is surrounded by the [[brachial plexus]]. The second part of the axillary artery is the reference for the locational descriptions of the cords in the [[brachial plexus]]. For example, the [[posterior cord]] of the brachial plexus is so named because it lies posterior to the second part of the artery. ==Branches== [[Image:Axillary branches.PNG|thumb|left|350px|Branches of axillary artery]] The axillary artery has several smaller branches. The branches can be remembered, in order, when traveling from the heart, with the [[mnemonic]] "Screw The Lawyers Save A Patient" or "She Tastes Like Sweet Apple Pie."<ref>{{MedicalMnemonics|1208|852|663|}}</ref> It should be noted that the origin of these branches is highly variable (e.g. the posterior and anterior circumflex arteries often have a common trunk). An arterial branch is named for its course, not its origin. * First part (1 branch) ** [[Superior thoracic artery|'''S'''uperior thoracic artery]] * Second part (2 branches) ** [[Thoraco-acromial artery|'''T'''horaco-acromial artery]] ** [[Lateral thoracic artery|'''L'''ateral thoracic artery]] * Third part (3 branches) ** [[Subscapular artery|'''S'''ubscapular artery]] ** [[Anterior circumflex humeral artery|'''A'''nterior circumflex humeral artery]] ** [[Posterior circumflex humeral artery|'''P'''osterior circumflex humeral artery]] Continues as the [[brachial artery]] past the inferior border of the [[teres major]]. ==Clinical Significance== The axillary artery may be safely clamped without endangering the arm, but only in a location proximal to the origin of the subscapular artery. The anastomotic network surrounding the scapula provides an alternate path for collateral circulation to the arm from arteries including the [[dorsal scapular artery]] and [[suprascapular artery]]. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Gray576.png|The veins of the right axilla, viewed from in front. Image:Gray809.png|The right brachial plexus (infraclavicular portion) in the axillary fossa; viewed from below and in front. Image:Gray810.png|Suprascapular and axillary nerves of right side, seen from behind. </gallery> ==References== <references/> ==External links== * {{NormanAnatomy|lesson3axillaryart&vein}} * {{DukeOrtho|axillary_artery}} * {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|05|06|01|01}} - "Axillary Region: Parts of the Axillary Artery" * {{SUNYAnatomyFigs|05|04|01}} - "The axillary artery and its major branches shown in relation to major landmarks." {{Arteries of upper limbs}} [[Category:Arteries]] [[Category:Upper limb anatomy]] [[Category:Thorax]] [[de:Arteria axillaris]] [[es:Arteria axilar]] [[fr:Artère axillaire]] [[la:Arteria axillaris]] [[nds:Arteria axillaris]] [[pl:Tętnica pachowa]] [[pt:Artéria axilar]]