Review the levator scapulae and rhomboid muscles (G 2.32;N 171;Gl 25.20B) from the Back dissection exercise.
- Look for an artery coursing along the deep surface of the levator scapulae and rhomboid muscles adjacent to the medial border of the scapula. This is the dorsal scapular artery (deep branch of the transverse cervical artery). (G 2.43C;N 414;Gl 28.3)
- Trace the artery in the proximal direction and you may observe where the superficial and deep branches split from the transverse cervical artery.
Important Relationship
- The deep branch of the transverse cervical artery passes directly anterior (deep) to the levator scapulae and rhomboid muscles.
