Subclavian Artery - Branches

Part Branches Course
First part

From its origin to the medial border of scalenus anterior

 Vertebral artery Runs cranially in the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae, joins the vertebral artery on the contralateral side, forming the basilar artery and joins the circle of Willis.
Internal thoracic artery Runs caudally behind the ribs, giving off anterior intercostal branches, perforating vessels to the breast and terminating in the superior epigastric artery and the musculophrenic artery
Thyrocervical trunk Very short. Divides into inferior thyroid artery, suprascapular artery and transverse cervical artery (also called cervicodorsal trunk)
Second part

Lying behind scalenus anterior

 Costocervical trunk Splits into highest intercostal artery and deep cervical artery.
Third part

Between the lateral border of scalenus anterior and the outer border of the first rib

 Dorsal scapular artery From either second or third part. Passes backwards to supply levator scapulae and rhomboids.

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