Variations of the branches arising from the third part of the axillary artery: a cadaveric study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to describe variations of the third part of the axillary artery branches with respect to their diameter, origin, subsequent branches, and gender. Methods: One-hundred and forty cadaveric shoulders were examined bilaterally in the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, which is regulated by Human Tissue Act (Scotland) 2006. Branches arising from the third part of the axillary artery were dissected and the diameter, origin, subsequent branching patterns of each branch were documented, as well as gender. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to determine the association between the variables. Results: The most common variations were associated with the posterior circumflex humeral artery (48.3%), followed by the anterior circumflex humeral (25%) and subscapular arteries (16.7%). Variations of the anterior circumflex humeral artery were more common in females than males (p