Arteries in the Shoulder, Anterior View

Description

Running inferior to the clavicle, the subclavian artery continues as the axillary artery at the lateral border of the first rib, then becomes the brachial artery distal to the inferior margin of teres major. From an anterior shoulder perspective, the thoracoacromial trunk is expected to pierce the clavipectoral fascia and fan into pectoral and deltoid branches across the anterior deltopectoral region, while the lateral thoracic artery descends along the lateral border of pectoralis minor. Around the glenohumeral joint, circumflex humeral branches encircle the surgical neck of the humerus, and scapular contributions (including the suprascapular and circumflex scapular arteries) approach the joint from superior and posterior margins. Arterial branching in the shoulder matters because it defines both safe corridors and danger zones in anterior approaches to the glenohumeral joint. The anterior circumflex humeral artery often gives rise to the ascending arcuate artery supplying the humeral head, so proximal humerus fractures at the surgical neck and dislocations can threaten perfusion and contribute to avascular necrosis. The deltopectoral interval is a standard surgical route, and the cephalic vein and deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery can complicate exposure or become sources of bleeding if not anticipated. Small branches. Big consequences. Use this artwork to teach axillary artery part-based branching (relative to pectoralis minor), to illustrate collateral pathways around the scapula relevant to subclavian or axillary occlusive disease, or to support operative anatomy in orthopedic and vascular surgery texts covering shoulder arthroplasty, fracture fixation, or anterior dislocation reduction. It also fits well in gross anatomy and regional anatomy modules focused on the pectoral and axillary regions, where students need an anterior map that ties surface landmarks to deep vessels. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.