subclavian artery

Origin of the subclavian arteries
Source: Wikipedia, based on diagram in Gray's

Either of two arteries that distributes blood to the neck, thoracic (chest) wall, spinal cord, brain, meninges, and upper limbs.

The right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic artery, behind the right sternoclavicular joint. It passes upward and laterally as a gentle curve behind the scalenus anterior muscle, and at the outer border of the first rib becomes continuous with the axillary arch.

The left subclavian artery arises from the posterior part of the arch of the aorta, a little behind the left common carotid artery. It ascends vertically to the root of the neck, opposite the left sternoclavicular joint, and then arches laterally in a manner similar to that of the right subclavian artery. Like the common carotid artery, it has no branches on the thorax.

Related category

• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

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