Root of the neck: subclavian artery and vein

Subclavian vein

Knowledge of the anatomy of the subclavian vein is required by the college and useful clinically given its use for central venous access.

Origin:

• axillary vein
• becomes subclavian vein as it passes behind junction of 1st rib and clavicle

Termination:

• brachiocephalic vein
• forms brachiocephalic vein by merging with internal jugular vein behind sternoclavicular joint

Subclavian artery
Origin:

• Right: Brachiocephalic trunk behind sternoclavicular joint
• Left: Arch of aorta

Parts:
Divided into 3 parts going from medial to lateral:

• 1st part: from the origin at the brachiocephalic trunk on the right and arch of aorta on the left to the medial border of scalenus anterior
• 2nd part: part posterior to scalenus anterior
• 3rd part: part lateral border of scalenus to outer border of first rib

Termination:

• Terminates as axillary artery at outer border of 1st rib

Palpation

• The subclavian artery pulsation can be palpated 1 finger breadth above and parallel to the medial end of the clavicle.