Subscapular nerves

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 2 Apr 2023

The subscapular nerves are a group of nerves that arise from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus to innervate muscles of the scapula.

Gross anatomy

Components
Supply

The upper subscapular nerve is the smallest and shortest of the three, which supplies the superior portion of the subscapularis muscle.

The thoracodorsal nerve is the longest of the three and supplies the latissimus dorsi muscle.

The lower subscapular nerve is the largest of the three and divides into two branches. The upper division innervates the inferior portion of the subscapularis muscle, and the lower division innervates the teres major muscle.

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