Dissection Summary

Part 1

• • Locate the deltoid m., and review its neurovasculature, attachments, and actions.

  • Reflect the deltoid laterally to see the neurovasculature of the deltoid m., the axillary n. and posterior circumflex humeral a., if not already completed.

  • Locate the latissimus dorsi m., and review its neurovasculature, attachments, and actions. 

Part 2

• • Identify the ‘rotator cuff’ mm. 

Part 3

• • Laterally reflect the supra- & infraspinatus mm. from the scapula. Start at the proximal (medial) portion of the spine of scapula, and bluntly reflect the supra- & infraspinatus mm. away from their respective fossae. Take care to preserve the neurovasculature (e.g. the suprascapular a. & n.) deep to these mm. 

  • Locate the dorsal scapular a. along the medial border of the scapula.

  • Bluntly separate the teres minor m. from the infraspinatus m., then gently move the teres minor m. inferiorly to locate the circumflex scapular a. 

Part 4

• • Locate the three parts of the axillary a. and their branches.

Part 5

• • Locate the cords of the brachial plexus and the terminal branches of the cords.

    • lateral cord

    • medial cord

    • posterior cord

Part 6

• • Clean the muscular soft tissue from the superior portion of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and locate the acromioclavicular ligament.

  • With blunt dissection, clean the space between the clavicle and coracoid process, as well as the acromion and coracoid process of the scapula. Locate the coracoclavicular and coraco-acromial ligaments. During the cleaning process, conceptualize where the subacromial bursa would be located. Bursae are very difficult to observe in embalmed cadavers.

  • Unilaterally, open (with scissors, not a scalpel) the acromioclavicular joint capsule by incising just medial to the acromion. Slightly separate the acromion from the acromial end of the clavicle, and locate the articular disc, if present.

  • Locate all rotator cuff muscles and follow their tendons to the glenohumeral joint. Conceptualize where the subtendinous bursa of the subscapularis muscle would be located.

  • Clean and locate the transverse humeral ligament.

  • With the donor in a prone position, unilaterally make a longitudinal incision (with scissors, not a scalpel) through the glenohumeral joint capsule. Reflect the capsule in medial and lateral directions in order to expose the humeral head. Forcefully laterally rotate the humerus in order to view structures within the joint cavity.