Axilla and Brachial Plexus Flashcards

1
Q

Where is the axilla?

A

Pyramidal space inferior to the shoulder joint and just superior to the armpit

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2
Q

Where is the medial wall of the axilla?

A

Superolateral aspect of the chest

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3
Q

Where is the axilla a gateway to?

A

The upper limb

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4
Q

Where is the pectoralis major?

A

Forms anterior wall of axilla, lower border is contained in the inferior edge of the anterior axillary field

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5
Q

What actions does pectoralis major perform?

A

One of main muscles of climbing (alongside latissimus dorsi), important accessory muscle of inspiration

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6
Q

What is the axillary vein a continuation of?

A

Continuation of the brachial vein (deep vein of the arm)

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7
Q

Where does the brachial vein become the axillary vein?

A

At lower border of teres major

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8
Q

What is the association between the teres major and the axilla?

A

Contributes to posterior wall of axilla, inferior border corresponds to the inferior extent of the axilla

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9
Q

Where can the pulsations of the subclavian artery be palpated?

A

Where the artery crosses the first rib

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10
Q

Where does the subclavian artery become the axillary artery?

A

At the lateral border of the first rib

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11
Q

Where does the brachial plexus supply and what is it formed from?

A

Supplies the upper limb; formed from a very specific intertwining of the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1

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12
Q

What does the brachial plexus contain (from proximal to distal)?

A

Roots, trunks, divisions, cords, named nerves

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13
Q

What are the roots of the brachial plexus?

A

Anterior rami of C5-T1 spinal nerves, which mix their fibres to form trunks

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14
Q

What are nerve trunks?

A

Combinations of roots which give rise to divisions

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15
Q

What are the trunks of the brachial plexus?

A
Superior = combined anterior rami of C5-6 spinal nerves
Middle = anterior ramus of C7 spinal nerve
Inferior = combined anterior rami of C8 and T1 spinal nerves
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16
Q

What are nerve divisions?

A

Anterior and posterior divisions of each trunk which combine to give cords

17
Q

What are the cords of the brachial plexus named according to?

A

Their relationship to the axillary artery

18
Q

What are the cords of the brachial plexus?

A
Medial = direct continuation of anterior division of inferior trunk
Lateral = formed from the anterior divisions of the superior and middle trunks
Posterior = formed from posterior divisions of all three trunks
19
Q

What are the named nerves of the brachial plexus?

A

Ulnar nerve = continues directly from medial cord
Musculocutaneous nerve = continues directly from lateral cord
Axillary and radial nerves = divisions of posterior cord
Median nerve = contributed to by the medial and lateral cords

20
Q

Where are the roots and trunks of the brachial plexus located?

A

Lie mainly between the anterior and middle scalene muscles in the root of the neck

21
Q

Where are the divisions of the brachial plexus located?

A

Lie immediately posterior to the subclavian vessels in the root (deep to the clavicle)

22
Q

Where are the cords of the brachial plexus located?

A

Lie around the axillary artery, which is distal to the first rib

23
Q

Where does the musculocutaneous nerve enter the axilla to supply?

A

The coracobrachialis muscle, also supplies other muscles of the anterior compartment of the arm (biceps brachii and brachialis)

24
Q

Where do both the axillary nerve and the radial nerve pass through the axilla to?

A

Into the posterior compartment of the arm

25
Q

Where is the axillary nerve located?

A

Lies superior to radial nerve and wraps around the posterior aspect of the surgical neck of the humerus (vulnerable to injury in shoulder dislocation or fractured humerus neck)

26
Q

Where is the radial nerve located?

A

Wraps around posterior aspect of the mid-shaft of the humerus (may be damaged by mid-shaft humeral fracture)

27
Q

Where does the ulnar nerve pass through the axilla to enter?

A

The medial compartment of the arm

28
Q

What is the most medial of the named nerves of the brachial plexus?

A

The ulnar nerve

29
Q

What does the median nerve form?

A

Middle of “M-shaped” configuration of the named nerves within the axilla