Dorsal Scapular Artery, Posterior View

Description

Running along the medial border of the scapula, the dorsal scapular artery descends from the root of the neck into the posterior shoulder girdle, passing deep to trapezius and tracking toward the rhomboid minor and rhomboid major. Superiorly it relates to the levator scapulae at the superomedial angle, while inferiorly it continues toward the inferior angle of the scapula along the thoracic wall. The posterior view also places the vessel in context with the scapular spine, adjacent ribs, and the proximal humerus laterally, with accompanying veins rendered in blue alongside the arterial course. Understanding this artery matters when teaching scapular perfusion and collateral circulation around the scapula, where anastomoses with branches of the suprascapular and circumflex scapular arteries can maintain flow when the subclavian or axillary system is compromised. Its close association with the dorsal scapular nerve on the deep surface of the levator scapulae and rhomboids makes the region a familiar pain generator in scapular dyskinesis and a practical landmark during posterior cervical and upper thoracic dissections. Small vessel, specific consequences. Use this artwork for gross anatomy labs covering the posterior triangle of the neck and posterior thoracic wall, for surgical atlases discussing approaches to the medial scapular border (rhomboid-splitting exposures), or for interventional and trauma references that need a clear map of posterior scapular collateral pathways. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.