This left shoulder specimen consists of the scapula, humerus (sectioned near midshaft) and clavicle (sectioned at midshaft) with the superficial muscles around the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff muscles and the axillary artery as it progresses distally to become the brachial artery.
The muscles attached to the clavicle have been preserved including the subclavius muscle attachment to the inferior border of the clavicle and the deltoid covering the lateral aspect of the proximal upper limb. The clavicular head of the pectoralis major has been preserved. On the posterior aspect the superior fibers of trapezius can also be observed where they attach attached to the posterior border of the lateral third of the clavicle, and to the acromion process and the spine of the scapula.
Inspection of the anterior aspect reveals that the pectoralis minor insertion onto the coracoid process of the scapula has been preserved. Posteriorly the teres major and teres minor muscles are clearly visible arising from the lateral border of the scapula. Supraspinatus is preserved but infraspinatus has partly been removed to show branches of the suprascapular artery passing from the supraspinous fossa around the base of the spine to enter the infraspinous fossa housing the infraspinatus muscle.
The axillary artery below the inferior border of the clavicle can be seen to give off the thoracoacromial branch anteriorly and just slightly more distally the suprascapular artery can be seen passing posteriorly. Coursing distally, it gives off posterior branches of the circumflex scapular and subscapular arteries. The anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries are hidden from view when viewed from in front, however the latter artery can be seen deep to the posterior fibres of deltoid as it emerges though quadrangular space.
Below the inferior border of teres major the axillary artery becomes the brachial artery. The radial collateral artery is visible arising from the brachial artery.
Watch a video about the anatomy of this case here.
Click on the images to access the viewer: (you may be asked for your credentials upon the first login)
© All rights reserved. All the material is property of SECTRA AB and is protected by applicable copyright law. The reproduction of this material is only allowed for educational and demonstrative purposes. Any other reproduction or unauthorized commercialization is prohibited and punished by applicable intellectual property law.