Blood supply of the arm

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Arterial supply

        Where does it arise? Path Notes
Subclavian     arch of aorta crosses 1st rib
enters axilla between clavicle and outer margin of 1st rib		  
           
Axillary     pectoralis major entrance to axilla  
  subscapular     lateral border scapula  
  circumflex humoral     encircle humerus  
Brachial     lower border teres major    
  profunda brachii   in axilla accompanies radial nerve  
  Radial   as passes into forearm along radius between superficial and deep flexors
  
    to scaphoid anatomical snuffbox waist of scaphoid  
    deep palmar arch wrist level with proximal border of outstretched thumb  
  Ulnar        
    superficial palmar arch   as passes into forearm distal border of outstretched thumb  
      digital arteries   sides of fingers  

Venous drainage

  • digital veins drain into dorsal venous arch
  • medial arch drains into basilic vein > axillary vein > subclavian vein
    • axillary vein lies medial to axillary artery in axilla
  • lateral arch drains to cephalic vein > axillary > subclavian
    • cephalic vein passes laterally up forearm
    • lies in groove between pectoralis major and deltoid
    • drains into axillary vein just below clavicle
  • cephalic and basilic veins connected by median cubital vein in cubital fossa
  • venae comitantes drain deep structures and accompany arteries
    • drain into axillary vein
    • provide heat exchanger
 

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