Anatomical variations on the origin of the dorsal scarular artery: about 58 dissections

The arteria dorsalis scapulae is usually described as the last collateral branch of the subclavia arteria. In this case its origin is localized below the anterior scalene muscle (scalenus anterior).1 Some authors describe this artery as the deep branch of the arteria transversa cervicis, arising next to the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle.1 Irrespective of its origin, the arteria dorsalis scapulae represents the main vascular pedicle of the trapezius muscle and surrounding integuments. Any microvascular surgery in the trapezian region therefore implies an excellent knowledge of the anatomy of the arteria dorsalis scapulae whose origin and therefore the path can be very variable.2 The authors of this work report different birth modalities of the arteria dorsalis scapulae from its original trunks.