subscapular

Subscapular is an anatomical descriptor referring to structures located beneath or relating to the subscapular region of the scapula. It is used to name parts, vessels, and nerves associated with the anterior surface of the scapula and its surrounding tissues. The term is often encountered in phrases such as subscapular fossa, subscapularis muscle, subscapular artery, and subscapular nerves.

One of the most prominent uses is in relation to the subscapularis muscle, one of the four rotator cuff muscles. The subscapularis lies on the anterior surface of the scapula, originates from the subscapular fossa, and inserts on the lesser tubercle of the humerus. It is innervated mainly by the upper and lower subscapular nerves from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Its primary actions include medially rotating the arm and stabilizing the glenohumeral joint.

The term also denotes vascular and neural elements associated with the region. The subscapular artery supplies blood to the subscapular region and typically divides into the thoracodorsal artery and the circumflex scapular artery, which supply surrounding muscles and tissues. The subscapular nerves (upper and lower) innervate the subscapularis and, in part, the teres major. Subscapular lymph nodes are part of the axillary lymph node groups located near the posterior aspect of the scapula and play a role in lymphatic drainage from the shoulder region.

In summary, subscapular is a directional term used across anatomy to describe locations, muscles, vessels, and nodes associated with the scapular region beneath its surface.