Nerve and Blood Supply to the Upper Limb

Question 1

Which artery supplies the upper limb?

Answer 1

Subclavian artery

Question 2

Where do the subclavian arteries arise from?

Answer 2

Left subclavian artery arises from the arch of the aorta

Right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk

Question 3

After passing through the scalene triangle, what muscle divides the subclavian artery - and what are the different parts formed by this division?

Answer 3

Scalenus anterior

1) Medial to muscle
2) Behind muscle
3) Lateral to muscle

Question 4

What are the branches of the subclavian artery?

Answer 4

• Vertebral artery
• Thyrocervical branch
• Dorsal scapular

Question 5

What are the branches of the thyrocervical branch?

Answer 5

• Thyroid artery
• Cervical artery
• Scapular artery

Question 6

What artery does the subclavian artery become - and where does this occur?

Answer 6

Axillary artery

As it crosses the outer border of the first rib.

Question 7

What divides the axillary artery into three parts, and what are these parts?

Answer 7

Pectoralis Major

1) Medial to muscle
2) Behind muscle
3) Lateral to muscle