Subclavian artery

The subclavian artery is a paired artery, right and left, supplying the corresponding thoracic limb, as well as part of the neck, the cranial thoracic wall, and certain deep thoracic structures.

Its origin varies depending on the side and the species: the right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk, whereas the left subclavian artery may arise either directly from the aortic arch (notably in domestic carnivores) or from the brachiocephalic trunk (in ruminants and horses).

Each subclavian artery courses laterally and slightly cranially, passes over the first rib, and continues into the thoracic limb as the axillary artery. Along its course, it gives off several important collateral branches to the cervical and thoracic regions.