Upper limb and brachial plexus mnemonic

Branches of the axillary artery

The mnemonic

Screw The Lawyers Save A Patient

What each word stands for

  • ScrewSuperior thoracic (first part)
  • TheThoracoacromial (second part)
  • LawyersLateral thoracic (second part)
  • SaveSubscapular (third part)
  • AAnterior circumflex humeral (third part)
  • PatientPosterior circumflex humeral (third part)

Why it matters clinically

The subscapular branch feeds the scapular anastomosis, a collateral route if the axillary artery is blocked.

Where it stops being reliable

Order follows the artery's three parts relative to pectoralis minor; it does not give sub-branches.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Upper limb and brachial plexus mnemonic?

Screw The Lawyers Save A Patient. It helps you recall: Branches of the axillary artery.

What does "Screw" stand for?

Superior thoracic (first part)

What does "The" stand for?

Thoracoacromial (second part)

What does "Lawyers" stand for?

Lateral thoracic (second part)

What are all the parts of the Screw The Lawyers Save A Patient mnemonic?

Screw: Superior thoracic (first part); The: Thoracoacromial (second part); Lawyers: Lateral thoracic (second part); Save: Subscapular (third part); A: Anterior circumflex humeral (third part); Patient: Posterior circumflex humeral (third part).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Upper limb and brachial plexus in Anatomy.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Order follows the artery's three parts relative to pectoralis minor; it does not give sub-branches.

How is this useful clinically?

The subscapular branch feeds the scapular anastomosis, a collateral route if the axillary artery is blocked.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anatomy question about Upper limb and brachial plexus.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.