Axillary Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising as the continuation of the subclavian artery at the lateral border of the first rib, the axillary artery runs inferiorly and laterally beneath the clavicle and pectoralis major, then courses through the axilla toward the proximal humerus where it becomes the brachial artery at the inferior border of teres major. An anterior perspective also brings the pectoralis minor into focus as a key divider of the vessel’s three parts, with the artery positioned deep to pectoralis major and related medially to the axillary vein. Around the surgical neck of the humerus, the anterior circumflex humeral artery may be appreciated as it passes laterally toward the humeral head. Key landmarks read clearly. Clinically, this view maps the vascular corridor most often encountered during axillary approaches and infraclavicular exposure for trauma or vascular control, where the artery’s relationship to pectoralis minor guides safe proximal and distal control. Branch patterns matter here: the thoracoacromial trunk and lateral thoracic artery are frequent bleeding sources in penetrating injury and during mastectomy or axillary lymph node dissection, while the subscapular system marks the transition toward the posterior wall. Compression or aneurysm of the axillary artery can also compromise distal perfusion, and the adjacent cords of the brachial plexus place neurologic deficits on the differential when pulses change after shoulder dislocation. Use this illustration in upper limb anatomy teaching to anchor the transition from subclavian to axillary to brachial artery, and in surgical education materials for axillary exposure, vascular repair, and orientation during pectoralis minor division. It also supports radiology and emergency medicine references when correlating palpable landmarks with CTA or catheter angiography of the shoulder girdle circulation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.