Axillary aery is divided into 3 pas. Which of the following muscle divides axillary aery into 3 pas?
**Core Concept**
The axillary artery is a continuation of the subclavian artery and extends from the outer border of the first rib to the lower border of the teres major muscle. It is divided into three parts by the pectoralis minor muscle, which plays a crucial role in the anatomical arrangement of this artery.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The pectoralis minor muscle is a flat, triangular muscle that originates from the axillary surface of the coracoid process and inserts into the third to fifth ribs. It lies superficial to the axillary artery and divides it into three parts:
* The first part extends from the outer border of the first rib to the inferior border of the pectoralis minor muscle.
* The second part lies behind the pectoralis minor muscle and extends from its inferior border to the lateral border of the axillary vein.
* The third part extends from the lateral border of the axillary vein to the lower border of the teres major muscle.
The pectoralis minor muscle is essential for the clinical evaluation of axillary artery injuries and for the assessment of axillary lymphadenopathy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The subclavius muscle is a small muscle that lies between the clavicle and the first rib, but it does not divide the axillary artery into three parts.
* **Option B:** The teres major muscle is a large muscle that lies in the axilla and inserts into the humerus, but it does not divide the axillary artery into three parts.
* **Option D:** The latissimus dorsi muscle is a large muscle that lies in the axilla and inserts into the humerus, but it does not divide the axillary artery into three parts.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The pectoralis minor muscle is a key landmark for the clinical evaluation of axillary artery injuries and axillary lymphadenopathy. It is essential to identify this muscle during physical examination to assess the integrity of the axillary artery and lymph nodes.
**Correct Answer:** C. pectoralis minor muscle