Suprascapular Nerve, Posterior View

Description

Arising from the superior trunk of the brachial plexus (C5 to C6), the suprascapular nerve courses laterally across the posterior cervical triangle toward the superior border of the scapula. From a posterior shoulder view, its key relationship is at the suprascapular notch, where the nerve passes deep to the superior transverse scapular ligament while the suprascapular artery typically runs superior to the ligament. Distal to the notch, the nerve enters the supraspinous fossa to supply supraspinatus, then curves around the lateral margin of the scapular spine through the spinoglenoid notch to reach infraspinatus in the infraspinous fossa. Rotator cuff and superficial muscles frame this pathway, with trapezius and deltoid lying posterior and superficial to the scapula and cuff muscles. Posterior visualization matters because entrapment occurs at two predictable choke points that are best taught from this angle. Compression at the suprascapular notch produces weakness of both supraspinatus and infraspinatus and can blunt the initial phase of abduction, while isolated compression at the spinoglenoid notch spares supraspinatus and presents as infraspinatus atrophy with external rotation weakness. A clean view of the nerve relative to the scapular spine and notches also supports surgical planning for arthroscopic decompression and helps interpret patterns of denervation on EMG and MRI. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and regional upper-limb teaching to reinforce brachial plexus branching and rotator cuff innervation, and in orthopedics or sports medicine materials covering overhead athlete shoulder pain, ganglion cyst-related spinoglenoid neuropathy, and differential diagnosis versus C5 radiculopathy. It also fits operative technique guides illustrating safe landmarks around the superior scapular border and scapular spine. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.