· continuation of 3rd part of subclavian a
· enters apex of axilla by passing over 1st digitation of serratus anterior
· at outer border of 1st rib
· behind midpoint of clavicle
· becomes brachial a at lower border of teres major
· divided into 3 parts by pectoralis minor
· 1st part above
· 2nd part behind (clasped by cords of brachial plexus)
· 3rd part below
· from 1st part
· superior thoracic a
· from 2nd part
· thoracoacromial a
· lateral thoracic a
· from 3rd part
· subscapular a
· anterior circumflex humeral a
· posterior circumflex humeral a
Superior thoracic artery
· runs forwards
· supplies both pectoral mm
Thoracoacromial artery
· passes above pectoralis minor
· pierces clavipectoral fascia
· divides into 4 branches
· Clavicular
· Humeral
· Acromial
· Pectoral
Lateral thoracic artery
· follows inferior border of pectoralis minor
· runs on fascia of serratus anterior
· supplies pectoral mm
Subscapular artery
· runs down posterior axillary wall
· gives off dorsal branch
· circumflex scapular artery
· passes through posterior wall of axilla through triangular space
· changes name to thoracodorsal artery
· runs to lat dorsi
Anterior circumflex humeral artery
· runs deep to coracobrachialis and biceps
· gives off branch that runs up bicipital groove
· passes around surgical neck of humerus
· anastomoses with posterior circumflex humeral a
Posterior circumflex humeral artery
· passes through posterior axillary wall
· through quadrilateral space
· accompanied by axillary nerve
· anastomoses with
· anterior circumflex humeral a
· profunda brachii a
· formed by
· venae comitantes of brachial a
· basilic vein
· course up medial side of artery
· leaves axilla and continues as subclavian v
· tributaries same as artery in 2nd and 3rd part
· in first part, joined by cephalic vein