Suprascapular artery

The suprascapular artery is 1 of the 4 branches of the thyrocervical trunk (off the first part of the subclavian artery).

It traverses inferiorly and laterally in the lower anterior neck superficial to the anterior scalene muscle and phrenic nerve before crossing the third part of the subclavian artery and the cords of the brachial plexus. It then courses posterior to the clavicle to supply the posterior scapular muscles, where it anastomoses with the rich scapular arterial plexus.

It may arise directly from the third part of the subclavian artery.