External landmarks: The axillary vessels start at the middle of the clavicle, course deep under the deltopectoral groove, and end at the lateral border of the axilla.

The axillary artery is divided by the pectoralis minor into three parts: the first part is proximal to the muscle and gives one branch. The second part is under the muscle, is surrounded by the cords of the brachial plexus, and gives two branches. The third part lies lateral to the muscle, is surrounded by the nerves of the brachial plexus, and gives three branches.

The axillary vein is the continuation of the basilic vein. Prior to its transition to the subclavian vein, the cephalic vein joins it. Its middle segment lies under the pectoralis minor muscle, inferior to the axillary artery.