superior thoracic artery

The superior thoracic artery is the only branch of the first part of the axillary artery.  It is only a small and highly variable artery.

Gross anatomy

Origin and course

The superior thoracic artery originates from the first part of the axillary artery, just inferior to subclavius. It courses posterior to the axillary vein.

Branches

It anastomoses with the internal thoracic and anterior and posterior intercostal arteries as well as with the lateral thoracic artery.

Supply

• subclavius
• intercostal muscles of the 1st and 2nd intercostal spaces
• superior part of serratus anterior
• portions of pectoralis major and minor

Variant Anatomy

• origin from the thoracoacromial artery

Siehe auch:

• Arteria axillaris

und weiter:

• Arteria thoracica