Dorsal scapular nerve

The dorsal scapular nerve arises from the brachial plexus, usually from the plexus root (anterior/ventral ramus) of the cervical nerve C5.[1][2][3] Once the nerve leaves C5 it commonly pierces the middle scalene muscle, and continues deep to levator scapulae and the rhomboids (minor superior to major).[1]

Dorsal scapular nerve
The right brachial plexus with its short branches, viewed from in front. (Dorsalis scapulae labeled at left, second from top.)
Details
FromC5 of brachial plexus
Innervatesrhomboid minor, rhomboid major, levator scapulae
Identifiers
Latinnervus dorsalis scapulae
TA98A14.2.03.011
TA26409
FMA65279
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

It provides motor innervation to the rhomboid muscles, which pull the scapula towards the spine and levator scapulae muscle, which elevates the scapula.[2][3]

The nerve is accompanied by one of two arteries: either the dorsal scapular artery (the only artery that branches off the third part of the subclavian artery, although its origin is highly variable in humans) or, when the dorsal scapular artery is absent, the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery. The latter is one of three arteries branching off the thyrocervical trunk, a branch of the first part of the subclavian artery, with the other two branches being the suprascapular artery, and the inferior thyroid artery.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the dorsal scapular nerve is usually apparent on inspection when the scapula on the injured side is located farther from the midline than the uninjured scapula. The patient would be unable to pull their shoulder back, as when standing at attention. Isolated dorsal scapular nerve injury is uncommon, but case reports usually involve injury to the scalene muscles.[4]

Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can be caused by nerve entrapment. Winging of the scapula is the most common symptom.[5]

See also

Additional images
  • Brachial plexus
  • Brachial plexus with courses of spinal nerves shown
  • Deep Branch of Transverse Cervical running with Dorsal Scapular

References
  1. Tubbs, R. Shane; Goodrich, Dylan; Watanabe, Koichi; Loukas, Marios (January 1, 2015), Tubbs, R. Shane; Rizk, Elias; Shoja, Mohammadali M.; Loukas, Marios (eds.), "Chapter 43 - Anatomic Landmarks for Selected Nerves of the Head, Neck, and Upper and Lower Limbs", Nerves and Nerve Injuries, San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 575–588, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-410390-0.00045-7, ISBN 978-0-12-410390-0, retrieved November 2, 2020
  2. Felten, David L.; O'Banion, M. Kerry; Maida, Mary Summo (2016), "Peripheral Nervous System", Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience, Elsevier, pp. 153–231, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-26511-9.00009-6, ISBN 978-0-323-26511-9, retrieved November 2, 2020
  3. Ma, Yun-tao (January 1, 2011), Ma, Yun-tao (ed.), "CHAPTER 8 - Neuroanatomy of Acu-Reflex Points", Acupuncture for Sports and Trauma Rehabilitation, Saint Louis: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 88–131, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-0927-8.00008-7, ISBN 978-1-4377-0927-8, retrieved November 2, 2020
  4. Akuthota, Venu; Herring, Stanley A. (May 28, 2009). "Nerve and Vascular Injuries in Sports Medicine". Springer Science & Business Media – via Google Books.
  5. Rea, Paul (January 1, 2015), Rea, Paul (ed.), "Chapter 2 - Upper Limb Nerve Supply", Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Limbs, Academic Press, pp. 41–100, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-803062-2.00002-4, ISBN 978-0-12-803062-2, retrieved November 2, 2020


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