Anatomy and Applied Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

Neurovascular Supply: Brachial Plexus Branches and Arterial Supply

The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, allowing for a wide range of movement. Its neurovascular supply is crucial for maintaining function, mobility, and overall health.

Neurovascular Supply of the Shoulder Joint

The neurovascular supply of the shoulder joint primarily originates from the brachial plexus and associated arterial branches.

Brachial Plexus Branches

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that arises from the cervical spine (C5-T1) and provides innervation to the shoulder and upper limb.

• Suprascapular nerve – Innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.
• Axillary nerve – Supplies the deltoid and teres minor muscles.
• Subscapular nerves – Provide innervation to subscapularis and teres major.
• Musculocutaneous nerve – Responsible for sensation in the lateral forearm.

Arterial Supply

The arterial supply of the shoulder joint is derived from branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries.

• Subclavian artery – Provides major branches such as the suprascapular artery.
• Axillary artery – Gives rise to key vessels supplying the shoulder, including the posterior circumflex humeral artery and anterior circumflex humeral artery.
• Brachial artery – Continuation of the axillary artery, supplying distal areas.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the neurovascular supply of the shoulder joint is critical for diagnosing conditions such as:

• Shoulder impingement syndrome – Involves compression of neurovascular structures.
• Axillary nerve injury – Can result in deltoid muscle atrophy and weakness.
• Rotator cuff injuries – Affect nerve supply and vascularization, leading to pain and dysfunction.

Proper anatomical knowledge aids in surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and treatment of shoulder-related disorders.