deep cervical artery (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The deep cervical artery is a branch of the costocervical trunk of the subclavian artery on each side. It originates anterior to the neck of the first rib. It then passes superiorly and arches inferior to the transverse process of the C7 vertebra. It ascends posterior to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebra in the same plane as the semispinalis capitis muscle. Finally, it anastomoses with the occipital artery at its most superior point.