Circumflex scapular artery

Gray524.png

== Circumflex Scapular Artery ==

The circumflex scapular artery is a significant blood vessel that supplies blood to the scapula and surrounding muscles. It is a branch of the subscapular artery, which itself is a branch of the axillary artery.

Anatomy

The circumflex scapular artery arises from the subscapular artery, which is the largest branch of the third part of the axillary artery. It typically originates near the lower border of the subscapularis muscle.

The artery then curves around the lateral border of the scapula, passing through the triangular space formed by the teres major, teres minor, and the long head of the triceps brachii. It continues to the dorsal surface of the scapula, where it anastomoses with the suprascapular artery and the dorsal scapular artery.

Branches

The circumflex scapular artery gives off several branches that supply the teres major, teres minor, and the infraspinatus muscles. It also provides blood to the subscapularis muscle and the latissimus dorsi.

Clinical Significance

The circumflex scapular artery is important in surgical procedures involving the scapula and shoulder region. It is often encountered in surgeries for shoulder dislocations, fractures, and reconstructions. Knowledge of its course and branches is crucial to avoid inadvertent injury and ensure adequate blood supply to the scapular region.

Related Structures

• Axillary artery
• Subscapular artery
• Suprascapular artery
• Dorsal scapular artery
• Triangular space
• Teres major
• Teres minor
• Infraspinatus
• Subscapularis
• Latissimus dorsi

See Also

• Scapula
• Shoulder anatomy
• Blood vessels of the upper limb