Circumflex scapular artery

Circumflex Scapular Artery

The Circumflex Scapular Artery (pronunciation: sir-kum-flex skap-yuh-lar ar-ter-ee) is a branch of the Subscapular Artery, which itself is a branch of the Axillary Artery.

Etymology

The term "Circumflex" is derived from Latin, where "circum" means around and "flexus" means bent. The term "Scapular" refers to the Scapula, or shoulder blade, and "Artery" is derived from the Latin "arteria", meaning a vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body.

Function

The Circumflex Scapular Artery supplies blood to the Infraspinatus and Teres Major muscles, as well as the Subscapularis muscle. It also contributes to the Scapular Anastomosis, a network of blood vessels around the scapula.

Related Terms

Subscapular Artery: The parent artery of the Circumflex Scapular Artery.
Axillary Artery: The artery from which the Subscapular Artery branches off.
Infraspinatus: One of the muscles supplied by the Circumflex Scapular Artery.
Teres Major: Another muscle supplied by the Circumflex Scapular Artery.
Subscapularis: A muscle supplied by the Circumflex Scapular Artery.
Scapular Anastomosis: A network of blood vessels around the scapula, to which the Circumflex Scapular Artery contributes.