Anterior humeral circumflex artery

Anterior Humeral Circumflex Artery

The anterior humeral circumflex artery is a small but significant artery in the human body. It arises from the axillary artery just distal to the origin of the subscapular artery. This artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles, particularly the deltoid muscle and the head of the humerus.

Anatomy

The anterior humeral circumflex artery typically branches off the third part of the axillary artery, wrapping around the surgical neck of the humerus. It travels along with the axillary nerve through the quadrangular space, a gap situated between the teres minor and teres major muscles, the long head of the triceps brachii muscle, and the humerus.

This artery is notably smaller than its counterpart, the posterior humeral circumflex artery, but it is essential for the vascular supply to the anterior part of the shoulder joint. It anastomoses (connects) with the posterior humeral circumflex artery, forming a vascular network that ensures a rich blood supply to the shoulder region.

Function

The primary function of the anterior humeral circumflex artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the shoulder joint and the proximal humerus. It provides the necessary nutrients for the deltoid muscle, contributing significantly to the muscle's health and functionality. The artery also plays a role in the vascular supply to the bone, aiding in the maintenance and repair of the humeral head.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the anterior humeral circumflex artery can occur due to fractures of the humerus or during surgical procedures in the shoulder area. Such injuries can lead to inadequate blood supply to the shoulder joint and deltoid muscle, potentially resulting in avascular necrosis of the humeral head or compromised shoulder function.

Understanding the anatomy and function of the anterior humeral circumflex artery is crucial for surgeons performing shoulder surgeries, including arthroscopy and open shoulder procedures. Precise knowledge helps in avoiding inadvertent damage to this artery.

See Also

• Axillary artery
• Posterior humeral circumflex artery
• Shoulder joint
• Deltoid muscle