The circumflex humeral artery is a major blood vessel located in the human body, specifically in the upper arm region. It originates from the subscapular artery, a branch of the axillary artery, which is a main artery responsible for carrying oxygenated blood to the upper limb.
The circumflex humeral artery courses around the surgical neck of the humerus, the bone of the upper arm, providing a crucial blood supply to various structures in the shoulder joint. It forms an important anastomosis, or connection, with the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex arteries, which are branches of the axillary artery as well.
As a vital component of the vascular network in the upper limb, the circumflex humeral artery is responsible for supplying oxygen and other essential nutrients to the shoulder joint capsule, deltoid muscle, teres major muscle, and other surrounding structures. It ensures proper function and nourishment of these tissues, contributing to the overall mobility and stability of the shoulder joint.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the circumflex humeral artery is crucial for medical professionals, particularly orthopedic surgeons, anatomists, and radiologists, as it plays an important role in various clinical scenarios. These include surgical procedures involving the shoulder joint, interpreting radiographic images, and diagnosing and treating conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and vascular pathologies in the upper limb.
