Quick Facts
Origin: Axillary artery.
Course: Anteromedially, between pectoralis minor and major muscles.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Pectoralis major and minor muscles, serratus anterior, and intercostal muscles.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The superior thoracic artery arises from the first part of the axillary artery. The axillary artery is divided into three parts, depending on the arteries location to the pectoralis minor muscle.
Course
From its origin, the superior thoracic artery passes the subclavius muscle to travel anteromedially on the superior border of the pectoralis minor. It then passes between it and the pectoralis major muscle.
Branches
There are no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The superior thoracic artery supplies the intercostal muscles of the first and second intercostal spaces, the superior digits of serratus anterior, and the pectoralis major and minor muscles. It may also supply the mammary gland.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Thoracic Artery
The superior thoracic artery arises from the first section of the axillary artery and supplies the thoracic wall and parts of pectoralis major and minor.
