A study of the transverse cervical and dorsal scapular arteries

In most anatomical accounts the transverse cervical artery is described as having two major branches : an ascending and a descending. As a variant, the descending branch arises separately, usually as a direct branch of the third part of the subclavian artery. According to the recent Paris revision of anatomical nomenclature (N.A.P., ’55), the transverse cervical artery, of the thyrocervical trunk, gives rise to a superficial and a deep branch ; these terms, superficial and deep, replace ascending and descending. M7hen, as a variation, these two branches arise separately, they are then given the names, “ superficial cervical artery” and “descending scapular artery,” respectively. As it stands, then, each artery may be called by either one of two names-depending upon its origin. One of the principles adopted by the International Anatomical Nomenclature Committee was, “that structures closely related topographically shall, as far as possible, have similar names. ” Thus, for example, the transverse scapular artery and vein now have the name “suprascapular,” to correspond to the nerve which accompanies them. Furthermore, the Committee also adopted the principle: “that, with a very limited number of exceptions, each structure shall be designated by one term only.’’ On the basis of these principles, it is here suggested that the term “dorsal scapular artery” replace the terms “deep branch of the transverse cervical artery” and