Subscapular artery
Subscapular artery
Subscapular artery (pronunciation: /sʌbˈskæpjʊlər ˈɑːrtəri/) is a major branch of the axillary artery, which is itself a continuation of the subclavian artery. The subscapular artery is the largest branch of the axillary artery and it primarily supplies blood to the muscles of the scapula.
Etymology
The term "subscapular" comes from the Latin words "sub" meaning under and "scapula" meaning shoulder blade. Therefore, "subscapular" refers to the location of the artery, which is beneath the scapula.
Anatomy
The subscapular artery arises from the third part of the axillary artery. It travels down the posterior wall of the axilla (armpit) and gives off two main branches: the circumflex scapular artery and the thoracodorsal artery. These branches supply blood to the muscles and skin of the back and shoulder region.
Clinical significance
The subscapular artery is important in surgical procedures involving the shoulder and upper limb. It can be involved in conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome and quadrangular space syndrome, where compression or damage to the artery can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper limb.
Related terms
- Axillary artery
- Subclavian artery
- Circumflex scapular artery
- Thoracodorsal artery
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Quadrangular space syndrome
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Subscapular artery
- Wikipedia's article - Subscapular artery
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski