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ArticlesAnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsCircumflex scapular artery
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ArticlesAnatomyUpper limbNerves and vesselsCircumflex scapular artery

Circumflex scapular artery

Author: Adrian Rad, BSc (Hons) • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Neurovasculature of the shoulder and arm [25:08]
Arteries, veins and nerves of the shoulder and arm.
Circumflex scapular artery (Arteria circumflexa scapulae)

The circumflex scapular artery is the largest terminal branch of the subscapular artery. It courses through the posterior aspect of the shoulder, within the infraspinous fossa of the scapula.

This artery gives off several muscular, cutaneous and articular branches. They contribute to the blood supply of three muscles (deltoid, teres minor, triceps brachii), glenohumeral joint and two small cutaneous areas partially overlying the scapula.

Key facts about the circumflex scapular artery
Origin Subscapular artery
Branches Muscular, infrascapular, articular, superior (horizontal) and inferior (parascapular) arteries
Supply Deltoid, teres minor and triceps brachii muscles; glenoid labrum and articular capsule of the glenohumeral joint; skin overlying spine and lateral border of scapula

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the circumflex scapular artery (scapular circumflex artery).

Contents
  1. Course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Course

Circumflex scapular artery
Arteria circumflexa scapulae
1/3
Synonyms: none

The circumflex scapular artery stems from the posterior aspect of the subscapular artery and travels posteriorly towards the scapula. The artery curves around the lateral border of scapula and passes through the triangular space formed by the subscapularis (superiorly), teres major (inferiorly) and long head of triceps brachii (laterally).

Once it reaches the infraspinous fossa of scapula, the circumflex scapular artery travels superomedially towards the neck of scapula. After passing through the teres minor muscle, the artery ends by anastomosing with the suprascapular and dorsal scapular arteries.

Branches and supply

The circumflex scapular artery gives rise to several branches:

  • Perforating muscular arteries, which supply the posterior aspect of the deltoid, long head of triceps brachii and teres minor. The large muscular arteries give rise to smaller branches which anastomose with the ascending branch of deep brachial artery. It’s worth to note that the muscular arteries play an important role in forming the scapular anastomosis.
    • The superior, infraspinous branch of circumflex scapular artery anastomoses primarily with the suprascapular and dorsal scapular arteries.
    • In turn, the inferior branch of circumflex scapular artery joins the dorsal scapular artery.
  • Superior (horizontal) cutaneous branch supplies the skin extending over the spine of scapula.
  • Inferior (parascapular) cutaneous branch vascularizes the skin over the lateral border of scapula.
  • Articular branches supply the periphery of the glenoid labrum and articular capsule of the glenohumeral joint.

Learn more about the arteries of the shoulder, including the circumflex scapular artery, by taking a look at the following study unit:

Blood vessels of the arm and shoulder Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergman’s comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Circumflex scapular artery (Arteria circumflexa scapulae) - Yousun Koh

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