Superior subscapular nerve - CT chest - Axial - e-Anatomy
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Superior subscapular nerve

Nervus subscapularis superior

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

Superior subscapular nerve (a.k.a. upper subscapular nerve) is a branch of the posterior cord of brachial plexus. It has a relatively shorter course compared to other branches of the posterior cord. It carries fibers from the C5 and C6 nerve roots and penetrates and innervates the upper part of subscapularis muscle.

References

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 7: Upper Limb’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 708.

  • Tubbs RS, Loukas M, Shahid K, Judge T, Pinyard J, Shoja MM, Slappey JB, McEvoy WC, Oakes WJ. Anatomy and quantitation of the subscapular nerves. Clin Anat. 2007 Aug;20(6):656-9.

  • Okwumabua E, Black AC, Thompson JH. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Nerves. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526056/

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