Thoracodorsal artery

Course

The thoracodorsal artery is a terminal branch of the subscapular artery that originates in the axillary region. It runs inferomedially along the lateral border of the scapula, then courses posteriorly passing deep to the latissimus dorsi muscle.

It usually terminates around the inferior angle of scapula by dividing into two to four branches that supply the large portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle.

Branches and supply

Along its course, the thoracodorsal artery gives rise to several cutaneous and muscular branches that supply the adjacent latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, subscapularis and teres major muscles as well as the skin in the axillary region.

In most cases, the thoracodorsal artery terminates in a bifurcation, giving off a medial and a lateral branch. These branches run within the interfascicular connective tissue of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The larger, lateral branch runs parallel to the lateral margin of the muscle, while the medial branch courses along its superior border. These branches further divide and anastomose with the branches of intercostal and lumbar arteries.

Learn more about the main arteries of the upper limb with our articles, videos, labeled diagrams and quizzes.

Anatomical variations

• In cases when the subscapular artery is absent, the thoracodorsal artery arises directly from the axillary artery as a separate branch. Occasionally, it can arise from other sites, most commonly from the lateral thoracic artery.
• The presence of an accessory thoracodorsal artery that arises from the distal portion of the axillary artery has also been described.