Abstract
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: This study aims to elucidate a previously unreported rare variation in the branching pattern of the third part of the axillary artery.
Results and discussion: During the routine dissection of a male cadaver, it was observed that the third part branches of the left axillary artery, specifically the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, were completely absent. To compensate for the missing branches, an unusual ascending branch emerged from the arteria profunda brachii (a branch of the brachial artery). This branch later divided into two: the deltoid branch, which accompanied the axillary nerve, entered in to the quadrangular space, wound around the surgical neck of the humerus, and terminated at the shoulder joint after supplying the deltoid muscle. The second nutrient branch, which supplied the head of the humerus. To our knowledge no such variation has been updated till date.
Conclusions: Recognizing the vascular variations identified in this case is crucial for surgeons performing procedures in the axilla, radiologists interpreting angiographs and anatomy-pathologists studying rare findings.
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DOI
10.56808/2673-060X.5530
First Page
Introduction: The axillary artery, continuation of the third part of the subclavian artery, serves as a primary arterial supply of the upper extremity. It extends from the outer border of the first rib to the lower border of teres major muscle. The pectoralis minor muscle divides the axillary artery into three parts:the first part runs proximal to the muscle; the second part lies behind the muscle, and the third part is distal to the muscle 1. The first part gives rise to the superior thoracic artery. The second part branches in to the lateral thoracic and thoraco-acromial arteries. The third part gives rise to the subscapular, anterior circumflex humeral artery and posterior circumflex humeral arteries2. The branching pattern of axillary artery exhibits significant variability3. This case report details an anomalous branching pattern of the third part of the axillary artery and an unusual ascending branch from arteria profunda brachii identified in a male cadaver used for teaching. The report also explores the embryological and clinical significance of these variations. Understanding these variations is crucial for orthopaedic and vascular surgeons to prevent complications during surgical procedures in the axilla4. Case details: During a teaching cadaveric dissection of the left upper limb of a 50-year-old male, a unilateral variation in the branching pattern of the third part of the axillary artery was observed. According to Essentials of human anatomy textbooks by A.K. Datta, the anterior
Last Page
16. Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD, Wheeless’: Textbook of Orthopaedics , online medical textbook. 17. Vishram singh.In textbook of clinical embryology.3rd ED.p.259-260. 18. Hamilton WJ, Mossman HW. Cardiovascular system. In: Human Embryology. 4th Ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1972. p. 271-90. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare that they have no competing interests. FUNDING Source of funding- None
Recommended Citation
Umanath, Preethi and Selvaraj, Sutha
(2025)
"A RARE VARIATION IN THE BRANCHING PATTERN OF THE AXILLARY ARTERY,"
Chulalongkorn Medical Journal: Vol. 69:
Iss.
5, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2673-060X.5530
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/clmjournal/vol69/iss5/8