The subclavian arteries

What it does

The right subclavian artery branches from a short trunk off the aorta; the left comes straight off the aortic arch. Each runs over the first rib under the collarbone and becomes the axillary artery. Along the way it gives off branches to the brain, neck and chest wall.

Why it matters

If a subclavian artery narrows, exercising the arm can steal blood from the brain via the vertebral artery, causing dizziness, a rare condition called subclavian steal.

Nearby

• The aorta
• The armpit artery
• The vertebral arteries
• The collarbone
• The scalene muscles

Read more

• Subclavian arteries — Wikipedia