Dorsal Scapular Artery, Posterior View

Description

Running deep to the trapezius and rhomboid musculature, the dorsal scapular artery (arteria dorsalis scapulae) descends along the medial border of the scapula from a proximal origin near the lower cervical region. Its course tracks inferiorly and slightly laterally toward the inferior angle, lying posterior to the thoracic cage while remaining closely applied to the scapular attachment of the rhomboid major and rhomboid minor. Bony landmarks in this posterior shoulder view include the scapular spine, medial border, and glenoid region, with adjacent soft tissues such as the posterior deltoid and rotator cuff tendons framing the scapulohumeral articulation. Clinically, this artery matters because it defines the medial scapular vascular corridor used when teaching scapular anastomoses and collateral pathways in subclavian or axillary artery compromise. It also runs with the dorsal scapular nerve, and that pairing is a common point of discussion in scapular winging workups and in surgical exposures along the medial scapular border where retraction of rhomboids can endanger both structures. A tight, posterior perspective makes the relationship between vessel, muscle bellies, and the scapular medial border easy to explain. Small target. High consequence. Use this illustration in upper limb anatomy labs, vascular anatomy lectures, and surgical atlases covering posterior shoulder approaches, scapular fracture fixation corridors, or flap planning that references peri-scapular perforators and the dorsal scapular system. It also fits well in clinical teaching materials on thoracic outlet region flow patterns and shoulder girdle neurovascular injury. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.