Subclan aery is divided by which muscle ?
**Core Concept**
The subclavian artery is a vital blood vessel that arises from the aortic arch and supplies blood to the upper limb. Its anatomical course is closely associated with several muscles in the thoracic region, particularly the scalene muscles.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The subclavian artery is divided by the anterior scalene muscle (Scaleneus anterior). This muscle is one of the three scalene muscles in the neck, which are located between the trachea and the scalene tubercles on the first and second ribs. The anterior scalene muscle arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the C3-C6 vertebrae and inserts into the scalene tubercle on the inner border of the first rib. The subclavian artery passes under the anterior scalene muscle, which divides it into two parts: the first part, which is proximal to the muscle, and the second part, which is distal to the muscle.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Pectoralis minor is a muscle in the chest wall that arises from the anterior ends of the ribs and inserts into the coracoid process of the scapula. It is not directly associated with the subclavian artery.
* **Option B:** Teres minor is a muscle in the posterior aspect of the shoulder region that arises from the axillary surface of the scapula and inserts into the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is not related to the subclavian artery.
* **Option D:** Trapezius is a large muscle in the upper back that arises from the external occipital protuberance and the nuchal ligament and inserts into the lateral third of the clavicle, the acromion process, and the spine of the scapula. It is not associated with the subclavian artery.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The subclavian artery is also known as the "artery of the neck" due to its location in the neck and its association with several important structures, including the scalene muscles. Knowledge of the subclavian artery's anatomical course and its relationship with the scalene muscles is essential for understanding various clinical conditions, such as thoracic outlet syndrome.
**β Correct Answer: C. Scaleneus anterior**