Vessel
Axillary artery
Arterial passage through the armpit
High-yield
Pectoralis minor separates three segments, conventionally giving one, two and three branches. The posterior circumflex humeral branch travels with the axillary nerve through the quadrangular space.
Overview
The main vessel entering the upper limb changes its name to axillary at the first rib. Its branches feed the shoulder and nearby chest wall before the vessel continues down the arm as the brachial artery.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Continuation of the subclavian artery beyond the lateral edge of rib 1
- Course
- Across the axilla, passing deep to pectoralis minor; becomes brachial below teres major
- Branches
- Usual pattern: superior thoracic; thoracoacromial and lateral thoracic; subscapular and the two circumflex humeral arteries. Shared origins and other variants occur
- Supplies
- Axillary tissues, shoulder and nearby thoracic wall; its continuation supplies the rest of the limb
Clinical correlation
Shoulder dislocation or a proximal humerus fracture can damage this artery. Connections around the scapula may preserve a wrist pulse despite an injury, so a palpable pulse alone does not exclude serious arterial damage.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the axillary artery originate?
The axillary artery arises from the continuation of the subclavian artery beyond the lateral edge of rib 1.
What does the axillary artery supply?
Axillary tissues, shoulder and nearby thoracic wall; its continuation supplies the rest of the limb.
What are the branches of the axillary artery?
Usual pattern: superior thoracic; thoracoacromial and lateral thoracic; subscapular and the two circumflex humeral arteries. Shared origins and other variants occur.
What is the course of the axillary artery?
Across the axilla, passing deep to pectoralis minor; becomes brachial below teres major.