Anat Cell Biol.  2025 Mar;58(1):35-43. 10.5115/acb.24.215.

Anatomical variations and surgical implications of axillary artery branches: an anatomical study of the coracoid process region

• Nonthasaen P
• Chaimongkhol T
• Chobpenthai T
• Mahakkanukrauh P

• KMID: 2565954
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.24.215

Abstract

The complex of neurovascular structures surrounding the coracoid process, particularly the axillary artery, the thoracoacromial artery and theirs branches, plays a critical role in shoulder function. Detailed dissection was performed in 36 shoulders from 18 embalmed cadavers. The focus was on axillary artery branches in relation to the coracoid process and the documentation of anatomical variations in this area. Significant findings include the categorization of thoracoacromial artery variations and the identification of acromial and clavicular branches as variable. A key measurement was mean distance between the thoracoacromial artery and tip of the coracoid process (31.89 mm). These findings offer valuable insight into the spatial relationships of these structures. The study provides important information on the vascular anatomy surrounding the coracoid process. Recognizing these anatomical variations is essential for planning safer and more effective shoulder surgeries, such as coracoclavicular stabilization and subcoracoid decompression. Detailed anatomical data are key for surgeons to prevent unintended injuries and enhance surgical success.

Keyword

Coracoid process; Anatomic variation; Axillary artery; Arteries; Shoulder

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Illustration of measurements obtained. Horizontal distances from the tip of coracoid process “A” to the thoracoacromial artery “B”, acromial branch “C”, and clavicular branch “D” were measured with the arm on the side and the shoulder in neutral rotation and are shown in the figure as green dotted lines. The pink line passes through the vertical plane of the tip of coracoid process.

• 

  Fig. 2 Anterior view of anatomical structures of the left shoulder. The dissection shows the branches from the thoracoacromial artery of the axillary artery. Acr, acromial branch; CP, coracoid process; Del, deltoid branch; LP, lateral cord of brachial plexus; Pec, pectoral branch; TAT, thoracoacromial artery; AA, axillary artery; AV, axillary vein.

• 

  Fig. 3 Anterior view of anatomical structures of the left shoulder. The dissection shows the branches of the axillary artery. CP, coracoid process; Acr, acromial branch; Cla, clavicular branch; Del, deltoid branch; Pec, pectoral branch; TAT, thoracoacromial artery; AA, axillary artery.

• 

  Fig. 4 Anterior view of the anatomical structures of the right shoulder of the cadaver. The dissection shows the common trunk and branches of the thoracoacromial artery and their relationship to the coracoid process. A deltoclavicular trunk (A) and clavipectoral trunk (B) are shown. Cla, clavicular branch; CP, coracoid process; Del, deltoid branch; DCT, deltoclavicular trunk; AA, axillary artery; TAT, thoracoacromial artery; Pec, pectoral branch; Acr, acromial branch; DAT, deltoacromial trunk; AV, axillary vein; CPT, clavipectoral trunks.

Reference

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