Arteries of the Upper Limb Flashcards
Where does the arterial supply to the upper limb begin?
In the chest, as the subclavian artery
Where does the right subclavian artery arise from?
The brachiocephalic trunk
Where does the left subclavian artery arise from?
Branches directly off the arch of the aorta
When do the subclavian arteries enter the axilla?
When they cross the lateral edge of the 1st rib
What are the subclavian arteries called when they enter the axilla?
The axillary arteries
Where does the axillary artery pass?
Through the axilla, just underneath the pectoralis minor muscle
What is the axillary artery enclosed in?
The axillary sheath
What arises from the axillary arteries?
The posterior and anterior circumflex humeral arteries
Subscapular artery
Where do the posterior and anterior circumflex humeral arteries, and the subscapular artery arise?
At the level of the humeral surgical neck
What do the posterior and anterior circumflex humeral arteries do?
Circle posteriorly around the humerus to supply the shoulder region
What does the axillary artery become?
The brachial artery
Where does the axillary artery become the brachial artery?
At the level of the teres major muscle
What is an aneurysm?
A dilation of a blood vessel to more than twice its original size
How common are axillary artery aneurysm?
Rare
What can axillary artery aneurysms occur as a result of?
Atherosclerosis
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Trauma
What can happen with axillary artery aneurysms?
The dilated portion of the axillary artery can compress the brachial plexus
What is the result of the compression of the brachial plexus by an aneurysm?
Produces neurological symptoms such as paresthesia and muscle weakness
What is the definitive treatment for an axillary artery aneurysm?
Surgical- involves removing the aneurysm and reconstructing the vessel wall using a graft
When does the axillary artery become the brachial artery?
When it reaches the lower border of the teres major
Why is the brachial artery important?
It is the main source of blood for the arm
What does the brachial artery give rise to?
The profunda brachii