Dorsal Scapular Artery, Posterior View

Description

Posterior surface anatomy of the upper back is presented with the scapula positioned lateral to the thoracic spinous processes and the medial border of the scapula running parallel to the vertebral column. Along that medial border, the dorsal scapular artery descends deep to trapezius and in close association with the rhomboid minor and rhomboid major, tracking toward the inferior angle of the scapula. Portions of the posterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi frame the lateral shoulder and lower thorax, while the scapular spine and acromial region provide palpable bony reference points for the overlying soft tissues. From a teaching and clinical standpoint, this artery matters because its course maps the neurovascular plane used when discussing the dorsal scapular nerve and rhomboid function, and it helps clarify why pain or weakness with scapular retraction can follow traction or entrapment near the middle scalene region where the vessel often arises from the subclavian artery. Surgeons also care about this posterior trajectory when elevating trapezius or rhomboid flaps and when planning dissections along the medial scapular border, where the dorsal scapular artery can provide or compromise pedicle perfusion. A small vessel, but a consequential landmark. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and kinesiology modules covering the scapulothoracic articulation, in operative anatomy references for posterior shoulder and upper back approaches, or in clinical education materials on scapular winging differentials and dorsal scapular nerve syndrome. It also reads well in vascular anatomy chapters that contrast the dorsal scapular artery with the transverse cervical artery and their variable contributions to the scapular anastomosis. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.