The thoracodorsal artery approximately follows the lateral border of the scapula to the inferior angle. It contributes to the vascular supply of the posterior and medial walls of the axilla.
The anterior circumflex humeral artery is small compared to the posterior circumflex humeral artery, and originates from the lateral side of the third part of the axillary artery (Fig. 7.50). It passes anterior to the surgical neck of the humerus and anastomoses with the posterior circumflex humeral artery.