Subclavie

Subclavie refers to the region around the subclavian vessels located at the root of the neck, just below the clavicle. In English usage this area is usually described in terms of the subclavian artery, subclavian vein, and their surrounding structures, including parts of the brachial plexus and nearby lymphatics. The term appears in some languages as subclavie or subclavian region, and in English texts the vessel-focused terms are preferred.

Anatomy and relations

The subclavian artery arises on the right from the brachiocephalic trunk and on the left from the aortic arch. It crosses the apex of the lung and passes behind the anterior scalene muscle, where it is classically divided into three parts by this muscle. Its branches include the vertebral artery, the thyrocervical trunk (giving rise to the inferior thyroid, suprascapular, and transverse cervical arteries), and the costocervical trunk, among others. The subclavian vein forms at the outer border of the first rib by the union of the axillary vein and the cephalic vein, then arches medially to join the internal jugular vein and form the left and right brachiocephalic veins. The subclavian vessels lie in close proximity to the apex of the lung, the pleura, the brachial plexus, and the scalene muscles.

Clinical relevance

The subclavian region is a common site for central venous access, with risks including pneumothorax, hemothorax, and catheter-related infection. Thoracic outlet syndrome can involve compression of the subclavian artery or the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. Subclavian steal syndrome, due to proximal subclavian artery stenosis, can affect cerebral perfusion.

Terminology

Subclavie is a term used in some languages to denote this region; in English, subclavian or subclavian region is preferred. The practical anatomy concerns the artery, vein, nerves, and surrounding structures within this area.