The axillary artery is a continuation of which artery?

The axillary artery is a continuation of the subclavian artery. The transition occurs as the subclavian artery passes over the first rib and enters the axillary region. This artery serves a crucial role in supplying blood to the upper limb, shoulder, and parts of the chest wall. Understanding the anatomy and the pathway of the axillary artery is essential for various medical practices, especially those related to surgery, emergency medicine, and anatomical studies.

In this context, the subclavian artery splits into various branches before continuing as the axillary artery, which is why it is the correct choice. The other arteries listed do not have a direct anatomical connection to the axillary artery. For instance, the radial artery is a branch of the brachial artery and supplies the forearm and hand, while the femoral artery is the main artery of the thigh and unrelated to upper limb vascularization. Thus, recognizing the correct anatomical sequence is vital in understanding the blood supply to the upper extremities.