Which artery is cautioned against when performing acupuncture at ST-13?

When performing acupuncture at ST-13, which is located on the lower border of the clavicle near the sternum and in close proximity to the first rib, caution is advised primarily because of the proximity to the subclavian artery. The subclavian artery runs beneath the clavicle and supplies blood to the arms and upper part of the body. Needle placement in this area requires awareness of underlying structures, including major blood vessels.

The subclavian artery is particularly significant due to its depth and the critical volume of blood it carries. If a needle were to accidentally penetrate deeply enough, it could potentially puncture the artery, leading to serious complications such as hematoma formation or significant bleeding.

In contrast, the other arteries mentioned, while essential to know anatomically, are not as directly related to the anatomical landmarks near ST-13. The femoral artery is located in the groin area, the aorta runs through the thoracic and abdominal cavities, and the carotid artery is situated in the neck. Thus, awareness of the subclavian artery is vital for safe acupuncture practice in this region.