Cubital Fossa

Question 1

What are the borders?

Answer 1

Lateral border – The medial border of the brachioradialis muscle.

Medial border– The lateral border of the pronator teres muscle.

Superior border – An imaginary line between the epicondyles of the humerus.

The floor of the cubital fossa is formed proximally by the brachialis, and distally by the supinator muscle. The roof consists of skin and fascia, and is reinforced by the bicipital aponeurosis. Within the roof runs the median cubital vein, which can be accessed for venepuncture

Question 2

What are the contents?

Answer 2

Radial nerve – This is not always strictly considered part of the cubital fossa, but is in the vicinity, passing underneath the brachioradialis muscle. As is does so, the radial nerve divides into its deep and superficial branches.

Biceps tendon – It runs through the cubital fossa, attaching to the radial tuberosity, just distal to the neck of the radius.

Brachial artery – The brachial artery supplies oxygenated blood the forearm. It bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries at the apex of the cubital fossa.

Median nerve – Leaves the cubital between the two heads of the pronator teres. It supplies the majority of the flexor muscles in the forearm.