RESUMO
The serratus anterior flap become a favorite option for small wounds of the distal limb or composite and large defects in association with flaps of the subscapular system based on the subscapular-thoracodorsal vascular pedicle. The lower serratus anterior flap is ideal for reconstruction of small to moderate-sized defects because of its flat and broad dimensions. The serratus anterior flap can be used with varying composition of tissue ranging from fascia only, to adiposofascial, to muscle, to muscle with bone in the form of either underlying rib, or in conjunction with a scapular bone flap. There are some variations in the branching patterns of the axillary artery. Such variations are significant in the diagnostic or therapeutic invasive procedures carried out on the axillary artery. The aim of this anatomic study was to examine the neurovascular supply of the serratus anterior muscle in cadaveric specimens, describe their typical anatomy and possible variations, and to identify their different measurements. Fourteen axillary regions of seven formalin-fixed cadavers were dissected. Specimens were measured for the origin, lengths, and external diameters of the subscapular, thoracodorsal arteries, and their serratus anterior branches. All branches of the serratus artery were documented for location, diameter and which slips they served. Also, nerve dimensions [length, diameter and which slips they served] were measured. In-addition, muscle slip length, muscle slip width and thickness at its origin were measured. In all dissected specimens at least one serratus anterior branch was observed. Four branching patterns were observed. In five specimens [35.7%], it was a unique branch; in six specimens [42.9%], there were two branches; in two specimens [14.3%], there were three branches and in one specimen four branches were observed [7.1]. The results of this study provide an anatomic framework to improve current reconstructive procedures on the serratus anterior neurovascular structures