Corpus: Anterior circumflex humeral artery

The anterior circumflex humeral artery is significantly smaller than the posterior circumflex humeral artery. It originates from the opposite, lateral side of the axillary artery and runs horizontally under the coracobrachialis muscle and the short head of the biceps brachii around the surgical neck of the humerus (Collum chirurgicum). Near the intertubercular groove of the humerus, it branches off, ascending into the groove to supply the head of the humerus and the shoulder joint with arterial blood. The main vessel continues under the long head of the biceps and the deltoid muscle a bit further distally and eventually anastomoses with the posterior circumflex humeral artery.

The anterior circumflex humeral artery supplies the head of the humerus and parts of the shoulder joint, though the posterior circumflex humeral artery typically has a greater role in supplying the head of the humerus.

Clinically, a displaced fracture of the humeral head may result in a rupture of the anterior circumflex humeral artery in about 80% of cases.