Subscapular Artery

arteria subscapularis

The subscapular artery is the largest branch of the axillary artery, providing the subscapular system that supplies both the latissimus dorsi (via thoracodorsal) and the scapular skin (via circumflex scapular through the triangular space). This system provides two independently harvestable flaps from a single pedicle — the latissimus dorsi flap and the scapular/parascapular flap — or both together as a compound subscapular system flap.

Region: Shoulder

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Third part of the axillary artery

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The subscapular system is the most versatile reconstructive pedicle in the body — it provides latissimus dorsi muscle, serratus anterior muscle, scapular bone, and scapular/parascapular skin as separate or combined components based on a single axillary pedicle. Compound subscapular system flaps reconstruct complex composite defects of the head and neck, extremity, and trunk.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Subscapular System Flap

Compound flap combining latissimus, serratus, scapular bone, and parascapular skin on a single subscapular pedicle for complex composite defect reconstruction.