Axilla and its Contents Flashcards
What is the axilla, and where is it located?
The axilla is a pyramidal-shaped space located between the upper limb and the thorax.
What are the boundaries of the axilla?
The axilla is bounded by the apex, base, anterior wall, posterior wall, medial wall, and lateral wall.
What forms the apex of the axilla?
The apex of the axilla is formed by the clavicle, first rib, and superior border of the scapula.
What forms the base of the axilla?
The base of the axilla is formed by the axillary fascia and skin.
What structures form the anterior wall of the axilla?
The anterior wall is formed by the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and clavipectoral fascia.
What structures form the posterior wall of the axilla?
The posterior wall is formed by the subscapularis, teres major, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
What structures form the medial wall of the axilla?
The medial wall is formed by the serratus anterior and thoracic wall (ribs 1-4 and intercostal muscles).
What structures form the lateral wall of the axilla?
The lateral wall is formed by the intertubercular groove of the humerus.
What are the contents of the axilla?
The contents of the axilla include the axillary artery, axillary vein, brachial plexus, lymph nodes, and fat.
What is the course of the axillary artery through the axilla?
The axillary artery runs from the lateral border of the first rib to the inferior border of the teres major muscle.
What are the branches of the axillary artery?
The branches of the axillary artery are the superior thoracic, thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic, subscapular, anterior circumflex humeral, and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.
What is the course of the axillary vein through the axilla?
The axillary vein begins at the lower border of the teres major and ends at the lateral border of the first rib, becoming the subclavian vein.
What tributaries drain into the axillary vein?
The tributaries of the axillary vein include the cephalic vein, basilic vein, and veins corresponding to branches of the axillary artery.
What is the role of the brachial plexus in the axilla?
The brachial plexus travels through the axilla, supplying motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb.
What are the major nerves passing through the axilla?
The major nerves passing through the axilla are the musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves.
How are the axillary lymph nodes organized?
The axillary lymph nodes are organized into five groups based on their location.
What are the five groups of axillary lymph nodes?
The five groups of axillary lymph nodes are lateral, central, pectoral, subscapular, and apical nodes.
Which lymph nodes receive lymph from the upper limb?
The lateral lymph nodes receive lymph from the upper limb.
Which lymph nodes receive lymph from the breast?
The pectoral lymph nodes receive lymph from the breast and anterior thoracic wall.
What is the clinical significance of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer?
Axillary lymph nodes are important in the staging and spread of breast cancer.
What muscles pass through the axilla?
Muscles passing through the axilla include the coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, and portions of the latissimus dorsi and teres major.
What is the role of the long thoracic nerve in the axilla?
The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle and is at risk during axillary surgery.
What is the significance of the axillary sheath?
The axillary sheath is a connective tissue extension of the prevertebral fascia that encloses the axillary artery, vein, and brachial plexus.
What is the pathway of the axillary artery in relation to the cords of the brachial plexus?
The axillary artery is divided into three parts, with the cords of the brachial plexus arranged around it.
What are the common anatomical variations of the axillary artery?
Anatomical variations of the axillary artery include high division of the brachial artery and additional branches.
What is the function of the subscapular artery in the axilla?
The subscapular artery supplies the posterior wall of the axilla and contributes to the scapular anastomosis.
How is the axillary vein related to the axillary artery?
The axillary vein lies anterior and slightly medial to the axillary artery.
What clinical conditions are associated with the axilla?
Clinical conditions associated with the axilla include lymphadenopathy, axillary abscesses, and nerve injuries.
How can infections from the hand spread to the axilla?
Infections from the hand can spread to the axilla via the lymphatic vessels accompanying the basilic vein.
What is the importance of the intercostobrachial nerve in the axilla?
The intercostobrachial nerve supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the axilla and upper medial arm, and may cause referred pain in angina.
