Axillary artery: Difference between revisions
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→Clinical Significance: Axillary artery cannulation |
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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]]. |
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]]. |
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The right axillary artery is often used as an arterial [[cannula|cannulation]] site in [[cardiac surgery]], particularly for repair of [[aortic dissection]] and replacement of the [[ascending aorta]] and [[aortic arch]]. |
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==Additional images== |
==Additional images== |
Revision as of 03:35, 22 March 2012
Axillary artery | |
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Details | |
Source | subclavian artery |
Branches | Superior thoracic Thoracoacromial Lateral thoracic Subscapular Anterior circumflex humeral Posterior circumflex humeral |
Vein | axillary vein |
Supplies | axilla |
Identifiers | |
Latin | arteria axillaris |
MeSH | D001366 |
TA98 | A12.2.09.002 |
TA2 | 4616 |
FMA | 22654 |
Anatomical terminology |
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 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 superficial to 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
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", "Summertime: The Lakers Schedule Another Parade", or "She Tastes Like Sweet Apple Pie." [1] 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 (Supreme thoracic artery)
- Second part (2 branches)
- Thoraco-acromial artery
- Lateral thoracic artery. If the lateral thoracic artery is not branching from the axillary artery, will most likely branch from the following (in order of likelihood): (1) thoracoacrominal, (2) third part of axillary artery, (3) suprascapular artery, (4) subscapular artery
- Third part (3 branches)
Continues as the brachial artery past the inferior border of the teres minor.
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.
The right axillary artery is often used as an arterial cannulation site in cardiac surgery, particularly for repair of aortic dissection and replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.
Additional images
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The veins of the right axilla, viewed from in front.
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The right brachial plexus (infraclavicular portion) in the axillary fossa; viewed from below and in front.
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Suprascapular and axillary nerves of right side, seen from behind.
References
- ^ MedicalMnemonics.com: 1208 852 663
External links
- lesson3axillaryart&vein at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
- Axillary artery at the Duke University Health System's Orthopedics program
- Anatomy photo:05:06-0101 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Axillary Region: Parts of the Axillary Artery"
- Anatomy figure: 05:04-01 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The axillary artery and its major branches shown in relation to major landmarks."