What are the subclavian arteries and where do they originate?

The subclavian arteries are major arteries that supply blood to the upper limbs, thorax, head, neck, and brain. The right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk, while the left subclavian artery originates directly from the arch of the aorta.

How is the subclavian artery divided into parts?

It is divided into three parts by the scalenus anterior muscle: First part from origin to medial border of scalenus anterior, second part behind scalenus anterior, and third part from lateral border of scalenus anterior to outer border of the 1st rib.

What are the main branches of the subclavian artery?

The branches vary by part: From the 1st part, they include the vertebral artery, internal thoracic artery, and thyrocervical trunk. From the 2nd part (right side only), there is the costocervical trunk. From the 3rd part, the dorsal scapular artery may arise (variable).

What is the clinical significance of the subclavian artery?

It is involved in conditions like subclavian steal syndrome (retrograde vertebral flow due to stenosis) and dysphagia lusoria (esophageal compression by an aberrant artery). Surgical procedures may target the third part for compression or ligation against the 1st rib.

How does the vertebral artery relate to the subclavian artery?

The vertebral artery is the first and largest branch of the subclavian artery. It supplies the brain and spinal cord, divided into four parts from cervical to intracranial segments, and joins with the opposite vertebral artery to form the basilar artery.

What structures are closely related to the subclavian artery?

Important relations include the brachial plexus, pleura, phrenic nerve, vagus nerve, subclavian vein, and on the left side, the thoracic duct. These structures can be affected by pathologies like aneurysms or compression.

Subclavian Artery – Parts, Course & Branches