Suprascapular Nerve, Posterior View

Description

Arising from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus (predominantly C5 to C6), the suprascapular nerve courses laterally across the posterior cervical region toward the superior border of the scapula, then swings around the neck of the scapula onto the dorsal surface. From a posterior shoulder perspective, the scapular spine divides the supraspinous fossa superiorly from the infraspinous fossa inferiorly, and the nerve is seen tracking deep to the trapezius and toward the suprascapular notch region near the base of the coracoid process. The medial border of the scapula and adjacent thoracic spinous processes provide midline reference, while the rib cage sits anterior to the scapular body. Small. Clear. This posterior trajectory matters because the suprascapular nerve is a common site of focal neuropathy at the suprascapular notch under the superior transverse scapular ligament, and distally at the spinoglenoid notch, producing weakness and atrophy of supraspinatus and infraspinatus with poorly localized posterolateral shoulder pain. The relationship to the scapular notch and the neck of the scapula helps explain traction injuries in overhead athletes and iatrogenic risk during posterior approaches to the glenoid and labrum, where instruments drift medial to the glenoid rim. Use this artwork for brachial plexus teaching in gross anatomy, sports medicine modules on rotator cuff dysfunction, and surgical education illustrating safe zones for arthroscopic portal placement and posterior shoulder dissection planes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.