The axilla Flashcards
What are the contents of the axilla?
- Brachial Plexus
- Axillary artery
- Axillary vein
- Lymph nodes
- Tendons of Biceps Brachii and Coracobrachialis
What is the purpose of the axilla?
-To allow passage of vessels and nerves into the upper limb
Where does the axillary artery arise from?
-It is a continuation of the subclavian artery which becomes axillary upon passing beneath the calvicle
What does the axillary artery become?
-The brachial artery as it descends into the arm
What is the main branch of the brachial artery in the arm?
-Profunda Brachii
What artery branches off the axillary artery within the axilla?
-Posterior circumflex
What is the axillary sheath?
-Fascia which encloses the axillary artery and vein and nerves
What is the main vein draining the upper limb?
-Axillary vein
What does the axillary vein drain into?
-The subclavian vein
Which two veins mainly make the axillary vein?
-The cephalic and basilic veins
What makes the lateral wall of the axilla?
-Intertubecular sculus/groove
What makes the anterior wall of the axilla?
- Pec major
- Pec minor
- Subclavius
What makes the medial border of the axilla?
- Upper thoracic ribs and intercostal muscles
- Serratus anterior
What makes the posterior border of the axilla?
- Subscapularis
- Teres major
- Latissimus Dorsi
What makes the apex/inlet of the axilla?
-Between the coracoid process, posterior border of clavicle and the 1st rib
What is the main route of exit out of the axilla?
-Inferiorly
What is the quadrangular space?
-An exit from the axilla providing access to the posterior shoulder and arm
What structures leave the axilla through the quadrangular triangle?
- Axillary nerve
- Posterior circumflex artery
What is the clavipectoral triangle?
-Gap in the anterior wall of the axilla providing access to the anterior arm and pectoral region
What structures enter/leave the axilla in the clavipectoral triangle?
- Cephalic vein enters
- Medial and lateral pectoral nerves leave
What is axillary clearance?
-Removal of all the lymph nodes in the axilla
What is axillary clearance used for?
-Disease control in invasive breast cancer
Why are the axillary lymph nodes frequent site for metasteses of breast cancer?
-75% of breast lymph drains here
What nerve is possibly damaged during axillary clearance?
-Long thoracic nerve
What is lymphangitis of the upper limb?
-Inflammation of the lymphatic channels of the upper limb
What is the cause of lymphangitis?
-Infection at a distal site, often with strep pyogenes
What are the symptoms of lymphangitis?
- Rubor
- Calor
- Tumor
- Dolor
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
-Muscle weakness, pain and paranthesia resulting from compression of vessels and nerves in the apex/inlet
What are common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome?
- Trauma eg fractured clavicle
- Repetitive strain ie occupations requiring lots of overhead lifting
