Anatomical Snuffbox

Question 1

What is the anatomical snuffbox?

Answer 1

Radial fossa, triangular depression found on lateral aspect of dorsal of hand. Located at level of carpal bones, best seen when thumb extended

Question 2

Borders of anatomical snuffbox

Answer 2

Triangular, three borders, floor and roof

Question 3

Ulnar (medial) border

Answer 3

Tendon of extensor pollicis longus

Question 4

Radial (lateral) border

Answer 4

Tendons of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus

Question 5

Proximal border

Answer 5

Styloid process of radius

Question 6

Floor

Answer 6

Carpal bones; scaphoid and trapezium

Question 7

Roof

Answer 7

Skin

Question 8

Contents of anatomical snuffbox

Answer 8

Radial artery, superficial branch of radial nerve, Cephalic vein

Question 9

Radial artery

Answer 9

Crosses floor of anatomical snuffbox, turns medially and travels between heads of adductor pollicis muscle
Radial pulse palpated by placing two fingers on proximal portion

Question 10

Superficial branch of radial nerve

Answer 10

Found in skin and subcutaneous tissue
Innervates dorsal surface of lateral three and a half digits, and associated area on back of hand

Question 11

Cephalic vein

Answer 11

Arises from dorsal venous network of hand and crosses anatomical snuffbox to travel up anterolateral aspect of forearm