cirkumflexartären

The circumflex artery, also known as the posterior circumflex humeral artery, is a blood vessel in the human arm. It arises from the posterior division of the axillary artery, usually at the posterior border of the pectoralis major muscle. It then travels laterally and posteriorly, passing through the quadrangular space. This space is an anatomical landmark bounded by the teres minor muscle superiorly, the teres major muscle inferiorly, the triceps brachii long head medially, and the surgical neck of the humerus laterally.

The circumflex artery gives off a small branch that pierces the deltoid muscle, supplying it with blood. The main trunk then winds around the surgical neck of the humerus, deep to the deltoid muscle, hence its name "circumflex." It anastomoses (connects) with other arteries in the shoulder region, forming a vascular network that ensures blood supply to the shoulder joint, the deltoid muscle, and the proximal part of the humerus. Its close relationship to the surgical neck of the humerus makes it vulnerable to injury during fractures of this area. Damage to the circumflex artery can lead to compromised blood flow and potential complications in the shoulder.