Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2016, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (1): 50-52.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2016.01.014

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Anatomical study of the surface projection of the dorsal scapular artery to the medial border of the scapula

MA Chun-ming, JU Xiao-hua   

  1. Department of Human Anatomy, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong261053, China
  • Received:2015-04-29 Online:2016-01-25 Published:2016-01-28

Abstract:

Objective To identify the surface landmarks for location of the course of the dorsal scapular artery by cadaveric dissection. Methods 26 adult complete cadavers were dissected to reveal the dorsal scapular artery, the diameters and the distances to the medial border of the scapula of the dorsal scapular artery were measured, and the data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Results The distance from the dorsal scapular artery to the superior angle of the scapula was (0.34±0.25) cm, to the medial border of the scapular spine was (1.58±0.41) cm, and to inferior angle of the scapula was (3.45±0.28) cm. The dorsal scapular artery coursed medially along the medial border of the scapula. The link line of the following three points was the course of the dorsal scapular artery: The point 0.34 cm to the superior angle of the scapula, the point 1.58 cm to the medial border of the scapular spine, and the point 3.45 cm to inferior angle of the scapula. Conclusions The surface projection of the dorsal scapular artery should be remembered by medical worker to avoid artery injury and the course can provide the anatomic basis which determines the central axis of the dorsal scapular artery flap.

Key words: Dorsal scapular artery, Surface projection, Dorsal scapular artery flap