Question:medium
The thyrocervical trunk is a branch of which part of the subclavian artery?
The thyrocervical trunk is a branch of which part of the subclavian artery?
Show Hint
Think VIT - the branches that arise medial to scalenus anterior.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- None
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Use scalenus anterior as the landmark that splits the subclavian artery. Branches are then assigned to parts 1, 2 and 3 based on their position relative to this muscle.
Step 2: A handy memory aid for the first part branches is VIT: Vertebral, Internal thoracic, and Thyrocervical trunk. All three of these clinically important vessels come off the first (pre-scalene) part.
Step 3: The costocervical trunk is the variable one. On the right it usually arises from the second part behind the muscle, while on the left it tends to arise from the first part. The dorsal scapular artery, when present as a direct branch, comes from the third part.
Step 4: Applying the VIT aid, the thyrocervical trunk clearly belongs to the first part of the subclavian artery.
\[\boxed{\text{First part}}\]
Step 2: A handy memory aid for the first part branches is VIT: Vertebral, Internal thoracic, and Thyrocervical trunk. All three of these clinically important vessels come off the first (pre-scalene) part.
Step 3: The costocervical trunk is the variable one. On the right it usually arises from the second part behind the muscle, while on the left it tends to arise from the first part. The dorsal scapular artery, when present as a direct branch, comes from the third part.
Step 4: Applying the VIT aid, the thyrocervical trunk clearly belongs to the first part of the subclavian artery.
\[\boxed{\text{First part}}\]
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