The thoracodorsal artery is a branch of the subscapular artery that arises within the axilla. It supplies some of the muscles of the upper back and shoulder. 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 thoracodorsal artery arises on the inferior border of the subscapularis muscle, as a terminal branch of the subscapular artery (itself a branch of the axillary artery). It then follows the lateral border of the scapula to the inferior angle – supplying branches to the several muscles in the upper back and scapular region. It enters the apex of the latissimus dorsi muscle, accompanied by the thoracodorsal nerve. Here, it terminates by dividing into several branches which supply the muscle. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 1The thoracodorsal artery arises from the subscapular artery. Supply The thoracodorsal artery gives arterial supply to the following muscles: Rotator cuff muscles: subscapularis, supraspinatus and infraspinatus Latissimus dorsi Serratus anterior By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 2The superficial muscles of the back Print Article Rate This Article