Axilla

Question 1

Axilla shape

Answer 1

Pyrimid (armpit)

Question 2

Anterior border

Answer 2

Pectoralis major and minor

Question 3

Lateral border

Answer 3

Intertubecular sulcrus (humerus with intertubecular groove)

Question 4

Medial border

Answer 4

Thoracic wall with serratus anterior muscles overlying

Question 5

Posterior border

Answer 5

Scapularis
Teres major
Lattisimus dorsi

Question 6

Apex of axilla

Answer 6

First rib and clavicle gap

Allows NV bundle to supply upper limb

Question 7

Base of axilla

Answer 7

Skin and subcutaneous fat (hair)

Question 8

Contents of axilla

Answer 8

Axillary artery (branches) and vein (tributaries)
Cords and branches of brachial plexus
Intercostobrachial nerve 
Axillary lymph nodes 
Biceps brachii (short head)
Coracobrachialis 
(both from coracoid process)

Question 9

3 routes structures exit axilla

Answer 9

Inferior and laterally to upper limb

Via quadrangular space (axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery encircle head of humerus)

Clavipectoral triangle (cephalic vein enters, lateral/medial pectoral nerves leave)

Question 10

Clavipectoral walls

Answer 10

Pectoralis major
Deltoid
Clavicle

Question 11

Axillary lymph nodes

Answer 11

Anterior
Posterior
Infraclavicular
Central
Apical
Lateral

Question 12

Apical axillary nodes converge to form…

Answer 12

Subclavian lymphatic trunk (right subclavian trunk –> right lymphatic duct, this then drains into right venous angle)

(right venous angle = internal jugular and subclavian veins)

Question 13

Axillary lymph nodes clinical importance

Answer 13

Lymphadenopathy
= enlargement of lymph nodes (infections, metastases, leukaemia)

Lymph node dissection to stage breast cancer (interruption can lead to lymphoedema = painful swelling of upper limb)

During dissection could damage long thoracic nerve (serratus anterior supply) or thoracodorsal nerve (latissimus dorsi)