Thoracoacromial artery
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
At the time the article was created Sachi Hapugoda had no recorded disclosures.
View Sachi Hapugoda's current disclosuresAt the time the article was last revised Jay Gajera had no recorded disclosures.
View Jay Gajera's current disclosuresThe thoracoacromial artery is a vessel arising from the axillary artery at the axilla.
Summary
- origin: first branch of the second part of the axillary artery 1
- location: axilla
- supply: pectoralis major and minor, anterior part of the deltoid, and the clavipectoral fascia 2
- main branches: clavicular, acromial, pectoral, and deltoid branches 1
Gross anatomy
Origin
The thoracoacromial artery arises from the second part of the axillary artery located posterior to the pectoralis minor muscle 2. It is the first of two arterial branches which arise from the second part of the axillary artery 1. With the second part being the lateral thoracic artery 1.
Termination
The thoracoacromial artery travels a short course deep to the medial border of the pectoralis minor muscle and then passes through the clavipectoral fascia. It then divides into four branches including the clavicular, acromial, pectoral, and deltoid branches 2.
Branches
The thoracoacromial artery typically has 4 distinct branches:
- clavicular
- acromial
- pectoral
- deltoid
See this mnemonic for the branches.
Supply
Through its four main branches, the thoracoacromial artery contributes arterial supply to the pectoralis major and minor muscles, the anterior part of the deltoid muscle, and the clavipectoral fascia 2.
References
- 1. Dalley AF, Agur AM. Clinically Oriented Anatomy, Sixth Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN:1605476528. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Gray's anatomy. 41st Edition. Elsevier. ISBN:0702052302. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
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