Artery Subclavian Left

The left subclavian artery (a. subclavia sinistra, pna, bna, jna) is a large vessel extending from the aortic arch.

The left subclavian artery begins from the aortic arch at the level of the sternoclavicular joint and goes outward, upward and laterally. The artery then passes behind the sternoclavicular joint and further under the collarbone in the armpit.

The left subclavian artery supplies blood to the left upper limb, as well as the chest and shoulder girdle. Branches such as the vertebral, internal thoracic, and transverse cervical arteries depart from it. The left subclavian artery is the initial part of the brachial artery, which continues behind the clavicle.

Left subclavian artery, or a. subclavia sinistra (pna, bna; jna), is a branch of a. thoracica superior, which departs from the aortic arch at the level of the II-III thoracic vertebra and goes away from the body of the sternum to the subclavian cavity and shoulder.

The artery has two branches:

1. The branch to the humerus, which goes to the shoulder and divides into two terminal branches: superficial and deep. The superficial branch goes to the deltoid muscle, and the deep branch passes through the hole in the clavicle and enters the axilla.

2. Branches to the muscles and bones of the clavicle and scapula.

Functions of the left subclavian artery:

1. blood supply to the muscles and bones of the upper limb;
2. providing oxygen to the brain;
3. supply of tissues of the shoulder and forearm.

Diseases of the subclavian artery:

aneurysm, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, embolism, stenosis, narrowing, spasm.