Which artery branches off at the first rib following the subclavian artery?

Study for the Interventional Radiology Registry Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your success!

The axillary artery is indeed the vessel that branches off from the subclavian artery at the level of the first rib. The transition occurs as the subclavian artery becomes the axillary artery when it passes posterior to the clavicle and over the first rib. The axillary artery then continues into the upper arm, supplying blood to the shoulder and upper arm structures.

Understanding the branching patterns of the subclavian artery is crucial for recognizing the vascular supply to the upper limb and various anatomical regions. The axillary artery is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the muscles and tissues of the shoulder and part of the arm, which is essential for shoulder movement and function.

The other arteries listed do not directly branch from the subclavian artery at this location. The brachiocephalic artery arises from the aorta and bifurcates into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries; it is not a branch of the subclavian. The radial and ulnar arteries branch off from the brachial artery in the arm, which is itself a continuation of the axillary artery, making them further downstream in the vascular hierarchy.

This anatomical knowledge is fundamental for anyone in interventional radiology, as it

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