Understanding the Axillary Artery: Anatomy, Function, and Clinical Importance
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
TL;DR: The axillary artery is the main artery of the armpit. It continues from the subclavian artery at the first rib, becomes the brachial artery near the shoulder, and gives off six branches to the chest wall, shoulder, and upper arm. [1] Upper arm fractures, shoulder dislocations, and penetrating injuries can damage it, causing a pale, cold arm, which is an emergency. [1] Surgeons also use it as an access point for heart-lung bypass during some operations. [1] [2]
Quick Answer: What is the axillary artery?
The axillary artery is a major blood vessel deep in the armpit that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the shoulder, chest wall and upper arm. [1] It begins at the first rib as a continuation of the subclavian artery and becomes the brachial artery. [1] It is also a useful access point for devices such as heart-lung machines during complex surgery. [1]
What the research says
Side-graft cannulation of the axillary artery had fewer problems than direct cannulation. A meta-analysis of 1,543 cardiac surgery patients found that direct cannulation was linked with more cannulation-related complications (odds ratio 3.12, 95% CI 1.87–5.18) and a borderline higher rate of neurological complications (odds ratio 1.45, 95% CI 1.00–2.10), with no difference in early mortality (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.64–1.41) (Xie et al., Front Cardiovasc Med, 2022) [2].
Artery injury is uncommon even with shoulder dislocation. In a review of 190 emergency department patients with a shoulder dislocation, 29% had an associated fracture and 12.6% had a sensory nerve deficit, but no vascular injuries were identified. This was a single-center retrospective study (Perron et al., J Emerg Med, 2003) [3].
When the artery is injured, quick repair usually saves the limb. A review of 5 studies (14 patients) of axillary artery pseudoaneurysm found that it was most often linked to anterior shoulder dislocation, blunt trauma, or repetitive sports injury, and that surgical repair achieved limb salvage and neurological recovery in most cases. The evidence comes from case reports and small series (Kaur et al., Cureus, 2025) [4].
Overview of the Axillary Artery
The axillary artery is a main conduit for circulation in the upper body, supplying the upper limb. Everyone has two, one on each side. [1] It is the central pathway for delivering nutrients to the tissues of the shoulder and upper arm. Lying between the subclavian artery and the brachial artery, it keeps blood flowing smoothly from the chest into the arm.
Primary Functions and Clinical Utility
The axillary artery's main job is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, bones, and connective tissues of the shoulder, chest wall, and upper arm. [1] This constant supply keeps tissue healthy and supports normal movement.
It also has a role in the clinic. Surgeons sometimes use it as an access point for a cardiopulmonary bypass machine. A thin tube called a cannula is placed in the artery to return oxygen-rich blood to the body while the machine supports the heart and lungs during surgery. [1]
Detailed Anatomy and Branching
The axillary artery starts at the lateral border of the first rib, just below the collarbone, and ends near the base of the shoulder blade, where it becomes the brachial artery. It lies deep to the chest muscles and runs closely with the axillary vein and the brachial plexus, the bundle of nerves that supplies the arm. [1]
The artery gives off six branches:
Branch | Main areas supplied |
|---|---|
Superior thoracic artery | Upper chest wall and muscles |
Thoracoacromial artery | Shoulder and pectoral regions |
Lateral thoracic artery | Side of the chest wall |
Subscapular artery | Region of the shoulder blade and the back and side of the chest |
Anterior circumflex humeral artery | Upper arm bone (humerus) and shoulder joint |
Posterior circumflex humeral artery | Upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder joint, and deltoid area |
The deep artery of the arm, the profunda brachii, supplies the deep tissues of the upper arm. It arises from the brachial artery, which is the continuation of the axillary artery.
Common Conditions and Injury Risks
The axillary artery is well protected deep in the body, but severe trauma or bone injuries can damage it. An injury to this vessel is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.
Signs of arterial damage include internal bleeding, blood clots, and visible changes in the affected arm, such as a pale appearance or a cold feeling. [1]
Conclusion
The axillary artery is an essential part of the upper body's circulation. By supplying the shoulder, chest wall, and arm, it supports daily movement and long-term musculoskeletal health. Knowing its anatomy and the risks of severe injury helps people recognize why prompt medical care matters in an emergency.
Next Steps
If you have had a severe shoulder or arm injury, get emergency medical care immediately, especially if the arm turns pale or cold. If you have concerns about blood flow to your arm or an upcoming operation, talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your vascular health.
Trusted resources: Cleveland Clinic: Axillary Artery
Related reading on Rinnit: Subclavian Artery Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the axillary artery located?
Deep in the armpit, between the first rib and the base of the shoulder blade.
What is the main function of the axillary artery?
The axillary artery supplies oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the shoulder, chest wall, and upper arm.
How many branches does the axillary artery have?
The axillary artery has six branches, which supply different regions of the chest wall, shoulder, and upper arm.
What artery does the axillary artery come from?
The axillary artery is a direct continuation of the subclavian artery.
What does the axillary artery become?
Near the base of the shoulder blade it becomes the brachial artery.
Why is the axillary artery used in surgery?
The axillary artery can serve as an access point for a heart-lung machine during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Can a broken arm damage the axillary artery?
Yes. A fracture of the humerus can press on or puncture the artery, although this is uncommon.
What are the signs of axillary artery damage?
A pale arm, cold skin, internal bleeding, and blood clots.
Is the axillary artery near the skin?
No. It lies deep beneath the chest muscles and the skin of the armpit, which helps protect it.
What nerve bundle is near the axillary artery?
The brachial plexus runs closely alongside the artery.
What is the axillary vein?
The vein that runs alongside the artery and carries oxygen-poor blood back toward the heart.
Are there two axillary arteries?
Yes, one on the right side and one on the left side of the body.
What is a cannula?
A thin tube used to connect an artery to a heart-lung machine.
Can shoulder surgery affect the artery?
Damage is rare, but it can occur as a complication of procedures such as shoulder replacement.
What should I do if I suspect an artery injury?
Get emergency medical care right away, especially after a traumatic injury or bone fracture.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Axillary Artery. Cleveland Clinic. February 3, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/axillary-artery
Xie Y, Liu Y, Yang P, et al. Comparison of post-operative outcomes between direct axillary artery cannulation and side-graft axillary artery cannulation in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022;9:925709. PMID 35757345. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.925709
Perron AD, Ingerski MS, Brady WJ, et al. Acute complications associated with shoulder dislocation at an academic Emergency Department. J Emerg Med. 2003;24(2):141-145. PMID 12609642. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0736-4679(02)00717-5
Kaur K, Mosa Basha B, Kaur H, et al. Axillary artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to septic shoulder after trauma: a review of incidence and outcomes. Cureus. 2025;17(12):e99982. PMID 41583275. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.99982
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A severe shoulder or arm injury with a pale or cold arm is a medical emergency, so seek emergency care immediately. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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