Axilla Flashcards
What is the axilla?
Region beneath glenohumeral joint
between upper limb and thorax
What is the overall 3D shape of the axilla?
Pyramid
What are the borders of the axilla?
Apex Medial wall Lateral wall Anterior wall Posterior wall
What forms the apex of the axilla?
Superior border of scapula
Lateral border of first rib
Posterior border of clavicle
What forms the medial wall of the axilla?
Thoracic wall - ribs and intercostal muscles
Serratus anterior
What forms the lateral wall of the axilla?
Intertubercular groove of humerus
What forms the anterior wall of the axilla?
Pectoralis major
Pectoralis minor
Subclavius
What forms the posterior wall of the axilla?
Subscapularis
Teres major
Latissimus dorsi
The axilla varies in size with what movement?
Arm abduction
The axilla is smallest in size when…?
The arm is fully abducted
What are the contents of the axilla
Axillary artery Axillary vein Brachial plexus Biceps brachii, coracobrachialis Axillary lymph nodes
What are the roots exiting the axilla?
Inferiorly and laterally to upper limb
Quadrangular space
Clavipectoral triangle
Most of the contents of the axilla leave by which route?
Inferiorly and laterally to upper limb
What is the quadrangular space?
Gap in the posterior wall of the axilla
What does the quadrangular space lead to?
Shoulder
Posterior arm
