Ligation of the third part of the axillary artery during a disarticulation procedure is tolerated because collateral flow reaches the arm through the scapular anastomosis. Which pair of arteries forms the key link between the subclavian system and the axillary system in this anastomosis?

• A Subscapular artery and supreme thoracic artery
• B Dorsal scapular artery and lateral thoracic artery
• C Thoracoacromial artery and suprascapular artery
• D Suprascapular artery and circumflex scapular artery ✓

Explanation

In the scapular anastomosis, the suprascapular artery (a thyrocervical trunk branch of the first part of the subclavian) and the dorsal scapular artery join the circumflex scapular branch of the subscapular artery (third part of the axillary). This shunt bypasses a proximal axillary ligation. The lateral thoracic artery takes no part in this anastomosis, so option B fails despite naming the correct subclavian partner.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.