Axillary Artery, Anterior View

Description

Running inferior to the clavicle and anterior to the first rib, the subclavian artery continues as the axillary artery as it enters the axilla, then transitions distally into the brachial artery at the inferior border of teres major. An anterior shoulder and upper thoracic view also places the axillary artery in close relationship to the cords of the brachial plexus, arranged around it, and to the axillary vein, which lies anteromedial and often appears larger in caliber. Proximally, the scapula and proximal humerus frame the surgical neck region, while the rib cage forms the medial wall of the axilla. Clinically, the three-part division of the axillary artery (classically described relative to pectoralis minor) matters because its named branches shift in accessibility and injury patterns: the thoracoacromial trunk and lateral thoracic artery are encountered anteriorly, while the subscapular artery and circumflex humeral arteries become key landmarks near the humeral head. Penetrating trauma to the axilla, anterior shoulder dislocation, and proximal humeral fractures can compromise the posterior circumflex humeral artery and the adjacent axillary nerve, a pairing that explains deltoid weakness and patchy sensory loss over the lateral shoulder. Central venous access and pacemaker lead placement also demand respect for the subclavian and axillary vessels where they pass beneath the clavicle. Use this artwork in upper limb anatomy teaching to orient students to the axilla as a conduit between thorax and arm, or in surgical and emergency medicine materials covering vascular injury, ligation points, and collateral pathways around the scapula. It also suits atlases and review articles discussing the axillary artery branches, the brachial plexus cord relationships, and ultrasound-guided axillary access. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.