Variation in the branching pattern of right axillary artery in a malaysian adult male cadaver – a case report.

Abstract

–Upper limb arterial variations are of potential clinical implications as it is a frequent site of injury and also involved in many invasive and surgical procedures. During routine dissection of the right upper limb of an adult male cadaver in the department of Anatomy, Aimst University,Malaysia variations in the branching patteran of third part of axillary artery were found. It was observed that a common trunk arose from third part of axillary artery which gave rise to lateral thoracic artery, anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries. However subscapular artery took its origin separately from the third part of axillary artery. Common trunk was found to be arising from medial side of third part of axillary artery. Some embryological explanations are available with regard to such anomalies. Knowledge of such arterial variations is most importance in carrying out surgical procedures in arm and axilla, also for accurate interpretation of angiography reports by radiologists. Keywords––arterial variations, axillary artery, branching pattern, clinical importance.