Axilla

Question 1

Give the contents of the Axilla

Answer 1

Proximally in axillary sheath together:

• Axillary Artery
• Axillary Vein
• Brachial Plexus
• Lymphatic vessels + lymph nodes

Tendons of long head of biceps brachii + coracobrachialis

Question 2

Give the borders of the Axilla

Answer 2

Apex = Posterior border of clavicle + Lateral side of 1st rib + Superior surface of scapula

Lateral Side = Intertubercular groove of humerus

Medial Side = Thoracic Wall (1st-4th ribs and intercostal muscle) + Serratus Anterior

Anterior Side = Pectoralis Major, Pectoralis Minor, Clavicopectoral fascia. Pectoralis Major forms anterior axillary fold.

Posterior Side = Scapula + Subscapularis + Teres Major + Latissimus Dorsi (Latissimus Dorsi + Teres Major + overlying integument make up posterior axillary fold)

Base = Concave skin + subcutaneous tissue + axillary deep fascia (extends from 4th rib to arm)