Arteries are muscle-lined tubes in the body that transport blood from the heart to other parts of the body. In the upper extremity, there are two arteries that pass through the axilla, also known as the “armpit.” These arteries are:
- Subclavian Artery: This is the large vessel that begins the blood supply to the upper extremity. It begins near the heart and travels under the clavicle bone toward the shoulder. Eventually it turns into the axillary artery.
- Axillary Artery: This is a continuation of the subclavian artery. This artery travels deep in the arm pit, feeding muscles and bones around the shoulder with its branches. It eventually turns into the brachial artery.