Subscapular Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The subscapular artery is a branch of the axillary artery. It provides arterial supply to muscles and skin of the shoulder, thoracic wall and upper limb. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The subscapular artery is the first and largest branch from the third part of the axillary artery, arising distal to the pectoralis minor muscle. It passes inferolaterally on the posterior wall of the axilla, following the inferior border of the subscapularis muscle. Approximately 4cm from its origin, the subscapular artery terminates by dividing into two branches – the thoracodorsal artery and circumflex scapular artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Anatomical course of the subscapular artery Supply The subscapular artery supplies several muscles of the shoulder including: Deltoid Latissimus dorsi Long head of triceps brachii Subscapularis Supraspinatus Infraspinatus Serratus anterior Frequent questions What is the origin of the subscapular artery? The subscapular artery originates as the first and largest branch from the third part of the axillary artery, specifically arising distal to the pectoralis minor muscle. What structures are supplied by the subscapular artery? The subscapular artery supplies various muscles in the shoulder region, including the deltoid, latissimus dorsi, long head of the triceps brachii, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and serratus anterior. What is the course of the subscapular artery? The subscapular artery courses inferolaterally along the posterior wall of the axilla, following the inferior border of the subscapularis muscle before terminating into the thoracodorsal and circumflex scapular arteries. What are the terminal branches of the subscapular artery? The subscapular artery terminates by bifurcating into two branches: the thoracodorsal artery and the circumflex scapular artery, approximately 4cm from its origin. What clinical relevance does the subscapular artery have? The subscapular artery is crucial for supplying blood to the shoulder muscles and skin, making it significant in surgical procedures involving the shoulder and conditions affecting upper limb vascularisation. Rate This Article