Blood vessels of the arm and shoulder

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The arm and shoulder regions are supplied by a highly organized vascular network, primarily centered around the axillary artery and vein, which connect the subclavian vessels with those of the arm.

The axillary artery is a continuation of the subclavian artery; it gives rise to several branches which supply the pectoral/breast region, lateral thoracic wall, parts of the scapular/back region as well as all of the upper limb. These branches include the superior thoracic, thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic, subscapular and circumflex humeral arteries; the brachial artery is the direct continuation of the axillary artery once it enters the arm.

The axillary vein is formed by the union of the basilic and brachial veins, and broadly drains the same regions as those supplied by the axillary artery. It receives several other tributaries, namely the venae comitantes of the smaller branches of the axillary artery, as well as the cephalic vein.

This video tutorial will guide you through this topic in a comprehensive, yet easy to understand manner. Enjoy!

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