Subclavian arteries
Subclavian Arteries
The Subclavian Arteries (pronounced: sub-klā′vē-ăn är′tĕr-ēz) are a pair of major arteries in the human body that supply blood to the upper limbs. The term "subclavian" is derived from the Latin words "sub", meaning under, and "clavius", meaning clavicle or collarbone, as these arteries are located beneath the clavicle.
Anatomy
Each human body has two subclavian arteries - the right and the left. The right subclavian artery originates from the brachiocephalic trunk, while the left subclavian artery arises directly from the aorta. Both arteries curve laterally and downwards, running under the clavicle and continuing into the axilla where they become the axillary arteries.
Branches
The subclavian arteries give off several branches, including the vertebral arteries, internal thoracic arteries, and the thyrocervical trunks. These branches supply blood to various parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, thoracic wall, and upper limbs.
Clinical Significance
Subclavian arteries are important in medical practice as they can be involved in various conditions such as subclavian steal syndrome, atherosclerosis, and aneurysms. They are also often used for access in procedures like cardiac catheterization and central venous catheter placement.
Related Terms
- Arteries: Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
- Clavicle: Also known as the collarbone, it is a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum or breastbone.
- Axilla: Also known as the armpit, it is the area on the human body directly under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Subclavian arteries
- Wikipedia's article - Subclavian arteries
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