Canonical Question

Procedure – Venous Access

V5 D1.v Historical V4 X.i 4 appearances

Master answer

Origin

Continuation of axillary vein
Lateral border of 1^st rib

Course

Follows subclavian artery
Deep to clavicle
Superior to 1^st rib

Termination

Deep to sternoclavicular joint at medial border of scalenus anterior
Joints internal jugular vein to form bilateral brachiocephalic veins vein on left

Relations

Anterior
- Clavicle, subclavius
Posterior
- Subclavian artery runs deep/posterior (separated by scalenus anterior)
- Internal mammary artery is posterior medially
- Phrenic nerve is posterior
Superior
- Skin, superficial aponeurosis
Inferior
- Apex of lung and 1^st rib
Medial
- Brachiocephalic trunk, thoracic duct and trachea and vagal trunks
Lateral
- Inferior trunk of brachial plexus

Surface Anatomy

Clavicle
Deltopectoral groove
2 heads of sternocleidomastoid
Suprasternal notch

https://www.earthslab.com/anatomy/subclavian-vein/

Sakurai 2016

Answer by Sakurai

Exam appearances

Exam	Exact wording	Relationship	Success
2009B Q11	Describe and / or illustrate the anatomy relevant for the insertion of a central line into the left subclavian vein using any of the available techniques.	historical_member	—
2013B Q18	Describe the anatomy relevant to the cannulation of the left subclavian vein.	historical_member	—
2016A Q16	Outline the anatomy of the subclavian vein relevant to central venous line insertion.	historical_member	—
2022A Q18	Describe the anatomy of the left subclavian vein.	historical_member	—