Arteria thoracica lateralis

The lateral thoracic artery is a branch of the second part of the axillary artery.

Gross anatomy

Origin and course

The lateral thoracic artery originates from the medial surface of the axillary artery, posterior to the distal part of pectoralis minor. It courses inferomedially along the inferior border of pectoralis minor to the anterior surface of serratus anterior.

Branches

It anastomoses with the internal thoracic and intercostal arteries as well as with the superior thoracic artery .

Supply

• breast
• pectoralis major and minor muscles
• subscapularis muscle
• serratus anterior muscle

Variant anatomy

• may arise from the subscapular artery

Etymology

Previously known as the external mammary artery .

Siehe auch:

• Arteria axillaris

und weiter:

• Arteria thoracica