axillary artery

anatomy

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June 18, 2026

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The axillary artery is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the upper limb. It begins at the outer border of the first rib as a continuation of the subclavian artery and extends to the lower border of the teres major muscle, where it becomes the brachial artery. This artery is crucial for providing oxygenated blood to the shoulder and arm.12

One of its branches is the thoracicoacromial artery, which supplies blood to the deltoid, pectoral, and serratus anterior muscles. The axillary artery is part of the arterial system that originates from the aorta and branches out to supply various parts of the body.31

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human cardiovascular system
The aorta and its principal branches
…vessels become known as the axillary artery; this, in turn, becomes the brachial artery as it passes down the upper arm. At about the level of the elbow, the brachial artery divides into two terminal branches, the radial and ulnar arteries, the radial passing downward on the distal (thumb) side…
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…vessels become known as the axillary artery; this, in turn, becomes the brachial artery as it passes down the upper arm. At about the level of the elbow, the brachial artery divides into two terminal branches, the radial and ulnar arteries, the radial passing downward on the distal (thumb) side…
Read More