brainscape_axillary_artery_flashcards

Question 1

What is the function of the axillary artery?

Answer 1

Supply walls of axilla

Question 2

What are the anatomical boundaries of the axillary artery?

Answer 2

Branch of the subclavian artery, becomes axillary artery at the lateral margin of the 1st rib, and transitions to the brachial artery at the inferior margin of the teres major.

Question 3

How is the axillary artery divided?

Answer 3

It is divided into 3 parts by the pectoralis minor muscle:
1. Proximal to the muscle
2. Posterior to the muscle
3. Distal to the muscle.

Question 4

What is the branch of the first axillary division?

Answer 4

Superior thoracic artery: Originates from the anterior surface, supplies upper medial and anterior axillary walls.

Question 5

What are the branches of the second axillary division?

Answer 5

1. Thoraco-acromial artery: Divides into pectoral, deltoid, clavicular, and acromial branches.
2. Lateral thoracic artery: Supplies medial/anterior axillary walls and the breast in women.

Question 6

What is the largest branch of the axillary artery?

Answer 6

Subscapular artery: Supplies the posterior wall of the axilla and posterior scapular region.

Question 7

What are the terminal branches of the subscapular artery?

Answer 7

1. Circumflex scapular artery: Enters infraspinous fossa, anastomoses with suprascapular and dorsoscapular arteries.
2. Thoracodorsal artery: Supplies posterior and medial axillary walls.

Question 8

What are the branches of the third axillary division?

Answer 8

1. Subscapular artery
2. Anterior circumflex humeral artery: Supplies glenohumeral joint and humeral head.
3. Posterior circumflex humeral artery: Supplies glenohumeral joint and surrounding muscles.

Question 9

What is unique about the posterior circumflex humeral artery?

Answer 9

It exits the axilla with the axillary nerve, passes through the quadrangular space, and anastomoses with anterior circumflex humeral artery and others.