Arteries of the Upper Body, Posterior View

Description

Posterior aspects of the upper thorax and shoulder girdle are rendered in a male adult model with the scapula, proximal humerus, and posterior ribs as bony landmarks. Red arterial trunks course across the dorsal shoulder, with subclavian and axillary segments continuing distally as the brachial artery along the medial arm, while scapular branches distribute over the infraspinous fossa and along the medial border toward the inferior angle. Smaller arterioles form a dense network over the posterior thoracic wall, tracking the expected planes between superficial and deep back musculature. Spatial relationships read clearly from superior subclavian origin to inferior thoracic runoff, with vessels hugging the costal surfaces and wrapping laterally toward the axilla. A posterior shoulder arterial map matters when you need to understand collateral flow around the scapula, the classic anastomoses between the suprascapular artery, dorsal scapular artery, and circumflex scapular artery that can maintain perfusion when the axillary artery is compromised proximal to the subscapular branch. This is the surgical geography behind posterior approaches to the scapula and glenohumeral region, and it also frames why proximal humerus fractures, shoulder dislocations, or iatrogenic traction near the quadrangular space can threaten the posterior circumflex humeral artery and its companion structures. Bleeding points follow these paths. Use this asset for gross anatomy labs covering the thorax and upper limb, for operative atlases discussing posterior shoulder exposures and flap planning based on the circumflex scapular system, or for clinical teaching on traumatic axillary artery injury and scapular collateral circulation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.