Axilla

From WikiLectures


English: Axilla
Latin: Fossa axillaris
Dictionary



Axilla

The axilla is the area that lies underneath the glenohumeral joint. It serves as a passageway for neurovascular and muscular structures to enter and leave the upper limb.

Boundaries of axilla

Axilla

The anterior wall - pectorales major and minor.

The posterior wall - subscapularis above, the teres major and latissimus dorsi below.

Medial wall - first four ribs with their corresponding intercostales, and part of the serratus anterior.

Lateral wall - humerus, the coracobrachialis, and the biceps brachii

Apex (axillary inlet)- it is formed by lateral border of the first rib, superior border of scapula, and the posterior border of the clavicle.

The apex decreases in size when the arm is fully abducted – leaving the contents of the axilla at risk of compression.

Contents

Content of axilla
  • Axillary artery (and branches) – the main artery supplying the upper limb.
  • Axillary vein (and tributaries) the main vein draining the upper limb with cephalic and basilic veins as its tributaries.
  • Brachial plexus (and branches)
  • Axillary lymph nodes – drains lymphatic fluid that has drained from the upper limb and pectoral region.
  • Biceps brachii (short head) and coracobrachialis
Clinical significance includes thoracic outlet syndrome, lymph node dissection for breast cancer staging diagnosis and treatment and chest drain insertion.

Links

External links

  • lesson3axilla at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
  • teachmeanatomy.info/upper-limb/areas/axilla/

Bibliography

  • PETROVICKY, Pavel, et al. Anatomie s topografií a klinickými aplikacemi : Sv. 1, Pohybové ústrojí. 1. edition. Martin : Osveta, 2001. 463 pp. ISBN 80-8063-046-1.