Axilla Flashcards
The apex of the axilla is also called
- axillary inlet
2. cervico-axillary canal
What forms the base of the axilla?
Axillary fascia
What structures form the posterior wall of the axilla?
Subscapularis muscle (above) Latissimus dorsi + Teres Major (below)
What structures form the anterior wall of the axilla?
Pectoralis major (lower border)
Subclavius
Pectoralis minor
Where is the sternal angle of Louis and state its clinical relevance.
Location: Junction of manubrium of sternum and body of sternum
Purpose: identification of 2nd rib
What structures pass through the axillary inlet?
Brachial plexus, Axillary vessels (Axillary artery, Axillary vein)
What are the boundaries of the quadrangular space?
superior; lower margin teres minor
inferior; upper border teres major
medial; lateral border of triceps brachii long head
lateral; humerus surgical neck
State a function of the quadrangular space.
Acts as a door for neurovascular structures to move from axilla to posterior shoulder and arm
Why is it important to understand the presence of the axillary arch?
During surgery when latissimus dorsi is being used as a musculocutaneous flap, its misidentification can lead to serious implications because of its close relation to neurovascular structures of the shouder
How many lymph nodes are in the axilla?
20-30
Where are the axillary lymph nodes located?
in the fibrofatty tissue of axilla
How many groups are the lymph nodes divided into? Name them.
- Pectoral/Anterior group
- Subscapular/ Posterior group
- Humeral/Lateral group
- Central group
- Infraclavicular/Apical group
