The Axilla Flashcards
0
Q
Location
A
Between medial side of upper arm & lateral surface of chest wall
1
Q
Definition
A
- Armpit
- Pyramidal space inf. to scapulohumeral joint & sup. to axillary fascia at junction of medial part of upper arm & thorax
2
Q
General function
A
Provides passageway for vessels & nerves to reach upper limb
3
Q
Anatomical features of axillary apex
A
- Forms entrance to axilla from neck
- Lies between 1st rib, clavicle & sup. edge of subscapularis
- Arteries, veins, lymphatics, & nerves pass from neck through cervicoaxillary canal (sup. opening of axilla) to axilla to reach arm
4
Q
Anatomical features of axillary base
A
Formed by concave skin, subcutaneous tissue & axillary (deep) fascia extending from arm to thoracic wall
5
Q
Anatomical features of anterior axillary wall
A
Formed by:
- Clavicle
- Subclavius m.
- Pectoralis major & minor
6
Q
Anatomical features of posterior axillary wall?
A
Formed by:
- Scupla & subscapularis m.
- Teres major
- Latissimus dorsi
7
Q
Anatomical features of medial axillary wall?
A
Formed by:
- Ribs 2-6
- Serratus ant.
- Intercostal muscles
8
Q
Anatomical features of lateral axillary wall?
A
Formed by:
- Humerus
- Biceps brachii (long head)
- Coracobrachialis
9
Q
Contents of the axilla?
A
Axillary sheath which contains:
- Axillary artery
- Axillary vein
- Axillary lymph nodes
- Brachial plexus
10
Q
Explain the axillary artery
A
- Continuation of subclavian a.
- Begins at lat. border of 1st rib
- Ends at inf. border of teres major
- Becomes brachial a. on passing inf. border of teres minor
11
Q
Explain the axillary vein
A
- Lies on medial side of axillary axillary a.
- Large vein formed by union of brachial veins
- Ends at lat. border of 1st rib
- Becomes venous subclavius
12
Q
Explain the axillary lymph nodes
A
- Contained in fibrofatty connective tissue of axilla
- Arranged in 5 principle groups:
- Ant. pectoral group
- Post. subscapular group
- Lateral humeral group
- Central group
- Apical subclavian group
