Dorsal Scapular Vein, Posterior View

Description

Arising along the medial border of the scapula, the dorsal scapular vein courses inferiorly and slightly medially on the posterior thoracic wall, tracking with the dorsal scapular artery deep to the rhomboid major and rhomboid minor and adjacent to the levator scapulae near the superior angle. Portions of the scapula and proximal humerus frame the region, with the glenohumeral joint covered superficially by the posterior deltoid and the rotator cuff musculature (infraspinatus and teres minor) occupying the posterior scapular surface lateral to the vein. The vessel sits posterior to the ribs and intercostal spaces, and typically drains into the subclavian venous system via the transverse cervical or deep cervical venous pathways, depending on anatomic variation. Posterior visualization of the dorsal scapular vein matters when you are teaching or operating in the medial scapular corridor, where the plane between trapezius and rhomboids is opened to reach the dorsal scapular neurovascular bundle. Bleeding from this vein is a common nuisance during exposure for scapulothoracic procedures and during posterior approaches that elevate the rhomboids off the medial border, and its proximity to the dorsal scapular nerve helps explain why traction or cautery in this region can produce rhomboid weakness and scapular retraction deficits. A small vessel, but a frequent landmark. This plate fits upper limb and back anatomy teaching, surgical anatomy chapters covering posterior shoulder and medial scapular approaches, and procedural guides for scapulothoracic bursectomy, muscle flap elevation, or posterior shoulder exposures where the rhomboid plane is dissected. It also supports radiology correlation when discussing variant drainage patterns of the dorsal scapular vein into the external jugular or subclavian systems. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.