Dissection 9- Axilla Flashcards
What shape is the axilla?
Pyramidal
Where is the axilla found?
Inferior to the shoulder joint, superior to the armpit
What is the medial wall of the axilla?
The superolateral aspect of the chest
What is the major structure forming the anterior wall of the axilla?
Pectoralis major
What are the minor structures forming the anterior wall of the axilla?
Pectoralis minor and pectoral/clavipectoral fascia
What is the most inferior aspect of the anterior wall of the axilla (and hence inferior border of pectorals major)?
Anterior axillary fold
What muscle does the pectorals major work with, to be the main muscles of climbing?
Latissimus Dorsi
As well as being a major muscle of climbing, what is another important function of the pectorals major muscle?
Accessory muscle of inspiration
Contraction of the pectoral is major will pull the ribs in what direction?
Outwards and superior
What forms the posterior wall of the axilla:
a) Anteriorly?
b) Inferiorly?
a) Scapula and subscapularis muscle
b) Teres major and latissimus dorsi
What is the most inferior aspect of the posterior wall of the axilla?
Posterior axillary fold
Where does the axillary artery begin?
The lateral aspect of the 1st rib
Where does the axillary artery end?
Inferior border of teres major
What vessel is the axillary artery a continuation of?
Subclavian artery
What does the axillary artery pass posterior to in order to get into the arm?
Pectoralis minor
Once in the arm, what does the axillary artery become?
Brachial artery
What are the 5 branches of the axillary artery (superior to inferior)?
- Superior thoracic artery
- Thoraco-acromial artery
- Lateral thoracic artery
- Subscapular artery
- Anterior/posterior circumflex humeral arteries
What is the largest branch of the axillary artery?
Subscapular artery
Where does the axillary vein lie in relation to the axillary artery in the distal arm?
Medial
Where does the axillary vein lie in relation to the axillary artery in the proximal arm?
Inferior
What two veins merge to form the brachial vein?
Smaller brachial vein branches and the basilic vein
What vein forms the axillary vein?
Brachial vein
Where does the brachial vein become the axillary vein?
Inferior border of teres major
Where does the axillary vein end? What does it become?
Ends at the lateral aspect of the 1st rib to become the subclavian vein
What are the 3 main groups of lymph nodes found in the axilla?
- Basal
- Central
- Apical
What are the 3 subgroups of basal lymph nodes known as?
- Pectoral (anterior)
- Subscapular (posterior)
- Humeral (lateral)
Where do basal lymph nodes drain into?
Central nodes
How many pectoral nodes are there?
3-5
Where do the pectoral nodes lie?
Around the medial aspect of the axilla, lateral thoracic vein and the inferior border of pectorals minor
Where do the pectoral nodes receive lymph from?
The anterior thoracic wall, including most of the breast
How many sub scapular nodes are there?
6/7
Where do the sub scapular nodes lie?
Posterior axillary fold and sub scapular blood vessels
Where do sub scapular nodes receive lymph from?
Posterior thoracic wall and scapular region
How many humeral nodes are there?
4-6
Where are the humeral nodes found?
The lateral wall of the axilla; medial and posterior to the axillary vein
Where do the humeral nodes receive lymph from?
All of the upper limb
How many central nodes are there?
3/4
Where are the central nodes found?
Deep to the pectoralis minor, near the base of the axilla, in association with the second part of the axillary artery
Where does lymph from the central nodes drain into?
Apical nodes
Where are the apical nodes found?
At the apex of the axilla, along the medial side of the axillary vein and artery
Where do apical nodes receive lymph from?
All other axillary nodes
Lymphatics accompanying the proximal cephalic vein
Apical nodes join up with other lymphatics to form what?
The subclavian lymphatic trunk
Where does the subclavian lymphatic trunk (hence apical nodes) drain into?
Thoracic duct/right lymphatic duct
