Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 20 - Section 20.8 - Systemic Vessels of the Appendicular Region - Before You Go On - Page 794: 32

Answer

The naming of the subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries along their course is due to the distinct regions they traverse and the changing functions they serve within the upper limb. Despite being a continuous artery, these different names reflect the specific anatomical locations and functional roles of each segment. **1. Subclavian Artery:** The subclavian artery originates directly from the aorta, one of the body's major arteries. It begins at the level of the sternoclavicular joint, which is near the collarbone. The term "subclavian" is derived from its position beneath the clavicle (collarbone). This artery serves as a conduit to deliver oxygenated blood to the upper limbs, head, and neck. **2. Axillary Artery:** As the subclavian artery passes through the axilla, commonly known as the armpit, it transitions into the axillary artery. This name change reflects its new anatomical location within the axillary region. The axillary artery continues to supply blood to the upper arm and shoulder region. **3. Brachial Artery:** The axillary artery further changes its name to the brachial artery as it extends into the arm. This change occurs around the inferior border of the teres major muscle, near the insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The term "brachial" pertains to the arm. The brachial artery is a significant vessel that supplies blood to the muscles of the arm and the structures within the elbow joint. In summary, while the subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries are anatomically continuous and share the same origin, their names change along their course to correspond to the specific anatomical locations and functional regions they supply. This nomenclature allows for precise identification and differentiation of the artery segments based on their distinctive functions and anatomical contexts. ## **Access Now: [https://bit.ly/J_Umma](https://bit.ly/J_Umma)**

Work Step by Step

The naming of the subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries along their course is due to the distinct regions they traverse and the changing functions they serve within the upper limb. Despite being a continuous artery, these different names reflect the specific anatomical locations and functional roles of each segment. **1. Subclavian Artery:** The subclavian artery originates directly from the aorta, one of the body's major arteries. It begins at the level of the sternoclavicular joint, which is near the collarbone. The term "subclavian" is derived from its position beneath the clavicle (collarbone). This artery serves as a conduit to deliver oxygenated blood to the upper limbs, head, and neck. **2. Axillary Artery:** As the subclavian artery passes through the axilla, commonly known as the armpit, it transitions into the axillary artery. This name change reflects its new anatomical location within the axillary region. The axillary artery continues to supply blood to the upper arm and shoulder region. **3. Brachial Artery:** The axillary artery further changes its name to the brachial artery as it extends into the arm. This change occurs around the inferior border of the teres major muscle, near the insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The term "brachial" pertains to the arm. The brachial artery is a significant vessel that supplies blood to the muscles of the arm and the structures within the elbow joint. In summary, while the subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries are anatomically continuous and share the same origin, their names change along their course to correspond to the specific anatomical locations and functional regions they supply. This nomenclature allows for precise identification and differentiation of the artery segments based on their distinctive functions and anatomical contexts. ## **Access Now: [https://bit.ly/J_Umma](https://bit.ly/J_Umma)**
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