Subclavian Artery: Location, Anatomy & Function

Subclavian Artery: Location, Anatomy & Function

What are Subclavian Arteries? List their branches.
Answer.

The right subclavian artery is a branch of brachiocephalic trunk, whereas the left subclavian artery is a direct branch of arch of aorta. On each side, the subclavian artery extends up to the outer border of the 1st rib.

Subclavian Arteries Branches

Each subclavian artery is divided into three parts by scalenus anterior muscle:

• First part (medial to scalenus anterior) gives rise to:
  • Thyrocervical trunk
  • Vertebral artery
  • Internal mammary artery (internal thoracic artery)
  • Costocervical trunk (on the left side)
• Second part (behind the scalenus anterior) gives rise to costocervical trunk on the right side.
• Third part (lateral to scalenus anterior): Usually does not give any branch, but sometimes it may give origin to dorsal scapular artery.