Subclavian Artery Anatomy

The subclavian artery anatomy is one of the important things that need to be understood, as the subclavian artery is the artery that is responsible for the distribution of blood to the left and right arms. Basically, the subclavian artery has two main parts and you would find that each of the parts has an important function. The left subclavian artery supplies blood to the left arm and the right subclavian artery is responsible for supplying blood to the right arm. Apart from this, the subclavian artery branches are responsible for distributing blood to head and thorax, and all these branches work in accordance with the subclavian arteries. Here is some more information about the two parts of the subclavian artery and their major branches.  

Subclavian Artery Branches

The two main subclavian artery branches, the left and the right one, are a little different from each other. The left subclavian artery sprouts directly from the arch of the aorta while the right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic artery, with the other part of the brachiocephalic artery forming the right carotid artery. As soon as the subclavian artery crosses the first rib, it transforms into the axillary artery. There is considerable difference between the left and right subclavian artery, and this difference is clearest in the initial course of the arteries. The two subclavian artery branches differ on the basis of origin, relation with the nearby structures, direction and length. The other parts of the subclavian artery are quite similar in function and relationship too. There are some more details about the subclavian artery and these can be found online.  

(more…)