The main arterial stem of the upper limb is?

Appeared in: AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Explanation

The axillary artery is the primary artery that carries oxygenated blood to the upper limb, including the arm, forearm, and hand.
It begins at the lateral border of the first rib, serving as a direct continuation of the subclavian artery.
As it passes through the axilla (armpit), it gives off several branches before continuing down the arm, where it is renamed the brachial artery at the lower border of the teres major muscle.
This positioning makes it the principal arterial trunk for the upper limb among the given choices.

Option A: The femoral artery is the main artery of the lower limb, not the upper limb.
Option B: The basilar artery is located at the base of the brain and is formed by the fusion of the two vertebral arteries. It supplies the brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior part of the cerebrum.
Option C: The carotid arteries (common, internal, and external) are major arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Arterial supply to the upper limb as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to locate the axillary pulse, especially in patients with trauma to the arm or when radial/brachial pulses are difficult to find.
The axillary artery is vulnerable to injury in cases of shoulder dislocation or fractures of the proximal humerus. A thorough neurovascular assessment of the upper limb is critical in these situations.
What if? If a patient has a deep laceration in the armpit with profuse bleeding, the immediate nursing priority would be to apply direct pressure proximal to the wound, along the course of the axillary artery, to control the hemorrhage while preparing for surgical intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key anatomical region specified in the question, which is the 'upper limb'.
Next, analyze the term 'main arterial stem', which implies the primary trunk supplying this region.
This is a factual recall question based on anatomical knowledge. Mentally review the major arteries of the body.
Evaluate each option by its location: Femoral (leg), Basilar (brain), Carotid (neck), Axillary (armpit/upper arm).
Eliminate the options that are not located in the upper limb.
The only remaining option, the axillary artery, is correctly identified as the main arterial stem for the upper limb.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QEIbKOqnuhQo3lDaDjbAnf

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 174-176

Practise the full AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.