Lateral thoracic artery

In the human body, the lateral thoracic artery (or external mammary artery) is a blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to approximately one-third of the lateral structures of the thorax and breast.

Lateral thoracic artery
Axillary artery, with its branches, including the lateral thoracic artery. Anterior view of right upper limb and thorax.
Details
Source	Axillary artery
Vein	Lateral thoracic vein
Supplies	Serratus anterior muscle
Identifiers
Latin	arteria thoracica lateralis
TA98	A12.2.09.011
TA2	4625
FMA	22674
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

It originates from the axillary artery and follows the lower border of the pectoralis minor muscle^[1] to the side of the chest to supply the serratus anterior muscle,^[2] pectoralis major muscle^[3] and pectoralis minor muscle,^[4] and sends branches across the axilla to the axillary lymph nodes and subscapularis muscle.

It anastomoses with the internal thoracic artery, subscapular, and intercostal arteries, and with the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery.^[5]

In the female it supplies an external mammary branch which turns round the free edge of the pectoralis major and supplies the breasts.^[5]

Variations

Variations in the Axillary Artery are quite common.

Differences in its origin, course, branching pattern, and size may cause variations in the number or arrangement of branches arising from the artery. Additionally, anatomical variations such as accessory or duplicated lateral thoracic arteries have been reported in medical literature. These variations can impact surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging interpretations.

In case it is absent the lateral perforating branches of Intercostal arteries take its place.^[5]