Final answer:
The major systemic arteries of the upper limb include the subclavian artery, which transforms into the axillary artery, then the brachial artery, and finally branches out into the radial and ulnar arteries providing blood to the arms and hands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arteries Serving the Upper Limbs
The major systemic arteries that supply blood to the upper limbs begin with the subclavian artery. As it passes from the thorax into the axillary region, this artery is renamed the axillary artery. This artery provides blood to areas near the humeral head through branches like the humeral circumflex arteries. Continuing into the upper arm, or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery, which supplies the brachial region and divides into smaller branches at the elbow. These include the deep brachial arteries and the ulnar collateral arteries, which cater to the posterior surface of the arm and the elbow area, respectively.
The brachial artery then splits into the radial and ulnar arteries near the coronoid fossa, and these arteries continue down the forearm. They give off branches that extend to the wrist or carpal region. Here, they form the superficial and deep palmar arches, which then provide blood to the hand and the digital arteries that supply blood to the fingers.