Axillary artery
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2008-04-13T14:12:01Z
Thijs!bot
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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]]