Axillary Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising as the continuation of the subclavian artery at the lateral border of the first rib, the axillary artery courses inferior to the clavicle and passes deep to pectoralis minor before continuing distally as the brachial artery at the inferior border of teres major. From an anterior perspective, the vessel sits anteromedial to the humeral head and lateral to the ribs and upper thoracic wall, with the axillary vein running medial and slightly anterior in the same fascial compartment. Segments of the scapula, proximal humerus, and anterior ribs frame the artery as it traverses the axilla toward the arm. Clinically, this view clarifies the classic three-part division of the axillary artery by pectoralis minor, a concept that maps directly to branch patterns and to where bleeding and ischemia present after shoulder trauma. Proximal humeral fractures, anterior shoulder dislocation, and penetrating axillary injuries can compromise flow, and the close relationship to the cords of the brachial plexus (named by their position around the second part of the artery) explains the common pairing of vascular injury with neurologic deficit. A hard landmark. The artery’s compressibility against the humerus also underlies manual hemorrhage control in the axilla. Ideal for anatomy and regional dissection teaching in medical and physician assistant curricula, this illustration also supports figures for trauma, orthopedic, and vascular surgery texts discussing axillary exposure, proximal control, and collateral pathways around the shoulder girdle. It also suits patient-facing materials on upper limb arterial supply and preoperative planning diagrams for catheterization via the axillary approach. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.