Scapular anastomosis: arterial anastomosis around the scapula and shoulder region, giving the area a collateral blood supply.
Circumflex Humeral Arteries
Anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries branch from the third part of the axillary artery and unite to form a circular anastomosis around the surgical neck of the humerus.
Clinical
Collateral route on subclavian or axillary block: the anastomosis is a subsidiary pathway carrying blood from the first part of the subclavian artery to the third part of the axillary artery.
This route lets blood bypass either vessel when it is blocked between these two points.
It matters clinically because it keeps the scapula's arterial supply adequate despite such a block.
High Yield
Anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries anastomose around the surgical neck of the humerus.
Scapular anastomosis is a collateral route linking the first part of the subclavian artery to the third part of the axillary artery.
This route preserves the scapula's arterial supply when the subclavian or axillary artery is blocked between these two points.