What are the major arteries supplying the upper limb and their origin?

• A. The subclavian arteries originate from the aorta directly.
• B. The axillary artery begins at the outer border of the first rib.
• C. The brachial artery is the continuation of the axillary artery.
• D. Subclavian arteries become axillary arteries and then brachial arteries; radial and ulnar arteries are branches.

Answer: (D)

The major arteries of the upper limb form a continuous lineage from the subclavian arteries. The subclavian arteries originate from the aortic arch on the left and from the brachiocephalic trunk on the right, then as they pass the outer border of the first rib they become the axillary arteries. The axillary arteries continue to the lower border of the teres major, where they become the brachial arteries. The brachial artery travels down the arm and typically splits into the radial and ulnar arteries near the elbow, which supply the forearm and hand. This sequence—subclavian to axillary to brachial to radial and ulnar—best captures both the origin and the main arterial flow to the upper limb.