Axilla

Question 1

How many borders does the axilla have?

Answer 1

6

Question 2

What structures make up the 6 borders of the axilla:

1. Apex
2. Base
3. Anterior wall
4. Medial wall
5. Lateral wall
6. Posterior wall

Answer 2

1. Apex: axillary inlet
   
   1. ​Lateral border of first rib
   2. Superior border of scapula
   3. Posterior border of clavicle
2. Base:
3. Anterior wall:
   
   1. Pectoralis major
   2. Pectoralis minor
   3. Subclavius muscle
4. Medial wall:
   
   1. Serratus anterior
   2. Thoracic wall
5. Lateral wall:
   
   1. Intertubercular groove
6. Posterior wall
   
   1. ​Subscapularis
   2. Teres major
   3. Latissimus dorsi

Question 3

What are the six groups of axillary lymph nodes?

APICAL

Answer 3

Anterior

Posterior

Infraclavicular

Central

Apical

Lateral

Question 4

What is the contents of the axilla? (5)

Answer 4

1. Axillary artery
2. Axillary vein
3. Brachial plexus
4. Axillary lymph nodes
5. Muscle tendons:
   
   1. Biceps brachii (short head)
   2. Coracobrachialis

Question 5

What are the 3 routes by which structures exit the axilla?

Answer 5

1. Inferiorly and laterally into upper limb
2. Quadrangular space
3. Clavipectoral triangle

Question 6

What is the quadrangular space?

Answer 6

In posterior wall of axilla

Allows access to posterior arm and shoulder area

Question 7

What is the clavipectoral triangle?

Answer 7

Opening in anterior wall

• Pectoralis major
• Deltoid
• Clavicle

Cephalic vein enters via triangle

Medial and lateral pectoral nerve leave

Question 8

What is throracic outlet syndrome?

Answer 8

Vessels and nerves become compressed between bones in apex of axilla

Question 9

What are some common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Answer 9

Trauma

Repetitive movements

Cervival rib (extra rib)

Question 10

How does thoracic outlet syndrome present?

Answer 10

Pain in affected limb

Tingling

Muscle weakness