Thoracoacromial Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The thoracoacromial artery (thoracoacromial trunk) is a short branch of the axillary artery. It contributes to the blood supply of the shoulder and pectoral region. Course The thoracoacromial artery arises from the second part of the axillary artery (posterior to the pectoralis minor muscle). It passes inferiorly along the medial border of the pectoralis minor muscle, before piercing through the clavipectoral fascia. The thoracoacromial artery then divides into four terminal branches: Pectoral Acromial Clavicular Deltoid Biodigital Human Fig 1Course of the thoracoacromial trunk and its four terminal branches Supply Through its terminal branches, the thoracoacromial artery contributes to the blood supply to structures within the shoulder and pectoral regions: Pectoral branch – pectoralis minor and major, breast tissue and overlying skin Acromial branch – deltoid Clavicular branch – sternoclavicular joint, subclavius Deltoid branch – deltoid and pectoralis major Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Frequent questions What is the thoracoacromial artery? The thoracoacromial artery is a short branch of the axillary artery that supplies blood to the shoulder and pectoral region. It arises from the second part of the axillary artery, located posterior to the pectoralis minor muscle. What are the branches of the thoracoacromial artery? The thoracoacromial artery divides into four terminal branches: the pectoral, acromial, clavicular, and deltoid branches. Each branch supplies specific muscles and structures in the shoulder and pectoral areas. What structures receive blood supply from the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery? The pectoral branch supplies blood to the pectoralis minor and major muscles, as well as the breast tissue and overlying skin. This branch plays a crucial role in the vascularisation of the anterior chest wall. What is the course of the thoracoacromial artery? The thoracoacromial artery courses inferiorly along the medial border of the pectoralis minor muscle and pierces the clavipectoral fascia. This pathway is essential for reaching its target structures in the shoulder region. What does the deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery supply? The deltoid branch supplies the deltoid muscle and part of the pectoralis major muscle. This branch is important for the blood supply to muscles involved in shoulder movement. Rate This Article