Learning Objectives for
Dissection of the Deltoid and Scapular Region


The dissection of the deltoid and scapular region completes the back. The structures in this region are related to movement of the upper limb, more specifically the shoulder joint.


Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the upper limb at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.


Specific Learning Objectives:

  1. Summarize the functions of muscles. Knowing the functions helps you learn the attachments (origins and insertions) of individual muscles.
  2. Define the venous drainage. You encounter the cephalic vein in this dissection.
  3. Explain the rotator cuff.
  4. Recall which spinal segments contribute to each nerve (e.g., suprascapular = C5,6).
  5. Describe the innervation of each muscle and the specific deficits that occur with lesions of individual nerves at different parts along the course of each nerve. What is the significance of "winged scapula"?
  6. Describe the vascular pattern and major arteries. Describe the major anastomoses around the shoulder joint.
  7. Describe the lymphatic drainage in this area? Remember CLASP.
  8. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.


Difficult parts of the dissection:

  1. When exposing the suprascapular artery and nerve, first palpate the superior transverse ligament of the scapula since the artery and nerve are related to it. Then carefully bisect the supraspinatus muscle to expose the artery and nerve. See Step 2 of the dissection of the scapular region.
  2. The art of dissection is to reflect structures in such a way as to permit their reconstruction for subsequent study and review. If you completely remove things, they are lost forever. With this in mind, we want to reflect the pectoralis major muscles with nerves and arteries attached to small buttons. See Step 2 of the dissection of the pectoral region.

John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2000
Created: Nov 30, 1999