Subclavian Artery

• Origin and course
  • The right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk and passes beneath the clavicle
  • The left subclavian artery arises directly from the arch of aorta. 
  • Subclavian artery ends at the lateral edge of the first rib and becomes the axillary artery
  • Each SCA is divided into three parts, by the Scalenus anterior muscle.
    • The first part is from the origin up to Scalenus anterior muscle.
    • The second part is positioned to the Sc ant muscle.
    • The third part is lateral to the Scalenus anterior muscle. ant to lat border of first ribs. 
      • At this point, it becomes the axillary artery.
  • The SCA ascends approximately 2 cm above the clavicle above the apex of the pleura.
• Branches
  • Vertebral
  • Thyrocervical trunk
  • Internal thoracic (Mammary)
  • Costocervical trunk
  • Dorsal scapular
• Relationship
  • Neck
    • Clavicle
    • First rib
    • The subclavian vein is slightly anterior and inferior to the artery in the neck.
  • Thorax
    • Anteriorly: Left CCA, Left brachiocephalic vein, Left lung and pleura
    • Posteriorly: Esophagus, Left lung and pleura
    • Medially: Esophagus
• Supplies
  • Upper extremities 
  • Cerebellum