SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
-
The subclavian artery is a major blood vessel in the human body that supplies oxygenated blood to the upper limbs, neck, and various regions of the brain. It is one of the main branches of the aortic arch, originating on the left side of the body from the brachiocephalic trunk and directly from the aorta on the right side. It is the largest artery in the upper extremities.
The subclavian artery travels through the thoracic cavity, passing over the first rib and under the clavicle. Here, it gives rise to several important branches that provide blood supply to various regions of the body. Some notable branches include the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to the brain, the thyrocervical trunk, which provides blood to the thyroid gland and muscles of the neck, the internal mammary artery, which supplies the anterior chest wall, and the costocervical trunk, which provides blood to the upper posterior intercostal spaces.
The subclavian artery is responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the arms and shoulders, and its proper function is crucial for the normal functioning of these regions. Any obstruction or narrowing of this artery can cause reduced blood flow, leading to various symptoms such as arm and shoulder pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation. Conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or aneurysm can affect the subclavian artery and require medical intervention, including medication, lifestyle modifications, or in severe cases, surgical procedures to restore normal blood flow.
Common Misspellings for SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY
- aubclavian artery
- zubclavian artery
- xubclavian artery
- dubclavian artery
- eubclavian artery
- wubclavian artery
- sybclavian artery
- shbclavian artery
- sjbclavian artery
- sibclavian artery
- s8bclavian artery
- s7bclavian artery
- suvclavian artery
- sunclavian artery
- suhclavian artery
- sugclavian artery
- subxlavian artery
- subvlavian artery
- subflavian artery
Etymology of SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY
The word "subclavian" originates from the Latin term "subclavius", which means "below the clavicle". The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is the bone located in the upper chest area. "Artery" comes from the Latin word "arteria", meaning "windpipe" or "artery". The term was used by ancient anatomists to describe the windpipe and later adopted to indicate the tubular vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Therefore, "subclavian artery" refers to the major blood vessel that lies below the clavicle and supplies blood to the upper limbs and part of the brain.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
