Thoracoacromial trunk
From Ganfyd
The thoracoacromial trunk (acromiothoracic trunk, thoracoacromial artery) is a branch of the axillary artery.
| Thoracoacromial trunk | |
|---|---|
| | |
| System: | Arterial |
| Function: | |
| Origin: | Axillary artery |
| Branches: | Pectoral, acromial, clavicular, deltoid |
| Insertion: | |
| Arterial supply: | Pectoralis minor, pectoralis major, the breast, deltoid, acromioclavicular joint, sternoclavicular joint, subclavius |
| Venous drainage: | |
| Lymphatic drainage: | |
| Innervation: | |
| Vertebral levels: | |
| Search for Thoracoacromial trunk in Gray's. | |
Contents |
Anatomical Course
The thoracoacromial trunk is a branch of the second part of the axillary artery. It is a relatively short branch which soon divides into its own branches. It arises behind pectoralis minor, traversing its medial border to pierce the clavipectoral fascia and divide into its branches.
Branches
There are four branches: the pectoral, acromial, clavicular and deltoid.
Pectoral branch
Descends medially between the pectoral muscles to enter the breast tissue.
Acromial branch
Crosses the coracoid process beneath the deltoid, before piercing the muscle and ending on the acromion.
Clavicular branch
Moves superiorly and medially between the clavicular head of pectoralis major and the clavipectoral fascia.
Deltoid branch
Crosses pectoralis minor to lie beside the cephalic vein between deltoid and pectoralis major.
Anastamoses
Pectoral branch
- Intercostal branches of internal thoracic artery
- Intercostal branches of lateral thoracic artery
Acromial branch
In addition the acromial and deltoid branches anastamose with each other.
Arterial Supply to
Pectoral branch:
Acromial branch:
Clavicular branch:
Deltoid branch:
