Axilla Flashcards
Where is the axilla?
Under the glenohumeral joint, at junction of upper limb and thorax
Borders of the axilla
Pyramid shaped. Four sides, open apex and base
Apex of axilla
Axillary inlet. Formed by lateral border of first rib, superior border of scapula, posterior border of clavicle
Lateral wall of axilla
Formed by intertubercular groove of humerus
Medial wall of axilla
Serratus anterior and thoracic wall
Anterior wall of axilla
Pectoralis major and pectoralis minor and subclavius muscles
Posterior wall of axilla
Subscapularis, teres major and latissimus dorsi
Abduction of arm
Apex decreases in size, leaving contents of axilla at risk of compression
Axillary artery and branches
Main artery supplying upper limb
3 parts: one medial to pectoralis minor, one posterior to pectoralis minor and one lateral to pectoralis minor
Medial and posterior parts travel in the axilla
Axillary vein and tributaries
Main vein draining the upper limb, largest tributaries = cephalic and basilic veins
Axillary lymph nodes
Filter lymphatic fluid that has drained from upper limb and pectoral region. Axillary lymph node enlargement is non specific indicator of breast cancer
Biceps brachii (short head) and coracobrachialis
Muscle tendons that move through the axilla, attach to coracoid process of scapula
Passageways of axilla
Into upper limb, quadrangular space, clavipectoral triangle
Passageway into the upper limb
Main route of exit. Immediately and laterally into upper limb. Majority of contents leave through this
Quadrangular space
Gap in posterior wall of axilla, allows access to posterior arm and shoulder area.
Axillary nerve and posterior circumflex numeral artery (branch of Axillary artery)
