Axilla, upper extremity vasculature, cubital fossa, forearm bones and elbow joint Flashcards
What is the four-sided pyramid-shaped region that contains neurovascular structures that pass through the shoulder region?
axilla
What are the neurovascular structures that pass through the axilla enclosed in?
a fascia sleeve called the axillary sheath
What is the axillary sheath a direct continuation of?
the prevertebral fascia of the neck
The axilla is a passage way from the neck to the _____
arm
How many boundaries does the axilla have?
6:
base (floor)
apex (inlet)
anterior wall
posterior wall
medial wall
lateral wall
What forms the base of the axilla?
axillary fascia and skin of armpit
What forms the apex of the axilla?
passageway for structures entering/leaving the shoulder and arm; bounded by the first rib, clavicle, and superior part of scapula
What forms the anterior wall of the axilla?
pectoralis major and minor muscles & clavipectoral fascia
What forms the posterior wall of the axilla?
subscapularis, teres major, latissimus dorsi, and long head of the triceps muscle
What forms the medial wall of the axilla?
upper rib cage and intercostal and serratus anterior muscles
What forms the lateral wall of the axilla?
humerus (intertubercular sulcus)
What are the important structures in the axilla?
- axillary artery
- axillary vein(s)
- axillary lymph nodes
- branches of brachial plexus
- biceps and the coracobrachialis muscle
- axillary tail (of Spence)
How many parts is the axillary artery divided into?
3
How many major collections of nodes are embedded in the axilla?
5 major nodes
What is the extension of the female breast’s upper outer quadrant called?
axillary tail (of Spence)
What does the axillary sheath contain and not contain?
Contains the axillary artery and 3 cords of the brachial plexus
-does not contain the axillary lymph nodes
-sometimes contains the axillary vein
What does adipose tissue provide?
protection, cushioning, thermal regulation, gives off hormones, energy storage
The axillary sheath keeps everything in place and decreases the risk of what?
infection by preventing invaders
What are the 5 lymph node groups in the axilla that are named to reflect their relationship to axillary structures?
- pectoral nodes
- humeral (lateral) nodes
- subscapular nodes
- central nodes
- apical nodes
Where can you find pectoral nodes?
deep to the pectoralis major muscle
What do the pectoral nodes do?
drain the lateral and anterior chest wall, mammary glands, and upper abdominal wall
Where can you find the humeral (lateral) nodes?
on the lateral wall of the axilla
What do the humeral (lateral) nodes do?
receive lymph from the upper limb
Where are the subscapular nodes located?
posterior wall of the axilla