Posterior humeral circumflex artery

Blood vessel

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The posterior humeral circumflex artery is a significant blood vessel in the upper limb, providing blood supply to the shoulder region. It is one of the two circumflex humeral arteries, the other being the anterior humeral circumflex artery.

Anatomy

The posterior humeral circumflex artery arises from the axillary artery, which is a continuation of the subclavian artery as it passes the lateral border of the first rib. Specifically, it branches off from the third part of the axillary artery.

The artery travels posteriorly, passing through the quadrangular space, which is an anatomical space bordered by the teres minor, teres major, long head of the triceps brachii, and the surgical neck of the humerus. This space allows the artery to reach the posterior aspect of the shoulder.

Function

The primary function of the posterior humeral circumflex artery is to supply blood to the deltoid muscle, which is crucial for shoulder abduction and other movements. It also supplies the teres minor and the long head of the triceps brachii.

Clinical Significance

Injuries to the shoulder, such as fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus, can potentially damage the posterior humeral circumflex artery. This can lead to compromised blood flow to the deltoid muscle and other structures, potentially resulting in muscle atrophy or necrosis if not addressed.

The artery is also of interest in surgical procedures involving the shoulder, such as shoulder arthroplasty or repair of rotator cuff tears, where care must be taken to avoid damaging it.

Also see

• Axillary artery
• Anterior humeral circumflex artery
• Quadrangular space
• Deltoid muscle
• Teres minor
• Triceps brachii