thoracoacromiales

The thoracoacromial artery is a short, wide artery that arises from the lateral side of the second part of the axillary artery. It typically passes upward and laterally, deep to the pectoralis minor muscle. Shortly after its origin, the thoracoacromial artery divides into four branches: the pectoral, clavicular, acromial, and deltoid branches. These branches supply various structures in the shoulder and upper chest region.

The pectoral branch runs inferiorly between the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles, supplying both muscles and the overlying breast tissue. The clavicular branch ascends medially and supplies the subclavius muscle and the sternoclavicular joint. The acromial branch passes laterally, crossing the coracoid process, and then ascends to the acromion, where it anastomoses with the suprascapular artery. It supplies the deltoid muscle and the acromioclavicular joint. The deltoid branch runs along the inferior border of the deltoid muscle, supplying it and the overlying skin.

The thoracoacromial artery is an important part of the arterial supply to the pectoral girdle and the superior aspect of the chest wall. Its branches are interconnected with other arteries in the region, contributing to collateral circulation. Variations in the origin and branching pattern of the thoracoacromial artery can occur, but the four main branches are generally consistent.