subclavian artery

Introduction

One of a pair of major arteries in the thorax that supplies blood to the head & brain, neck, thorax & upper extremities. The right subclavian originates from the brachiocephalic artery, the left from the arch of the aorta. The subclavian arteries continue as the axillary artery after crossing the first rib.

Branches

• vertebral arteries
• thyrocervical trunk
• internal thoracic artery
• costocervical trunk
• descending scapular artery

More general terms

• artery

More specific terms

• left subclavian artery
• right subclavian artery