The Axilla

Question 1

Name the borders of the axilla:

Answer 1

Anterior: Pectoralis major and minor
Posterior border: Scapularis, teres major and latissimus dorsi
Lateral border: Intertubular sulcus
Medial border: Serratus anterior and the thoraic wall

Question 2

What are the three passageways exiting the axilla?

Answer 2

Upper limb, the quadrangular space, clavipectoral triangle (opening in the anterior wall of the clavicle)

Question 3

What are the major contents of the axilla?

Answer 3

Axillary artery, axillary vein, brachial plexus, biceps brachii, and the axillary lymph nodes

Question 4

What is a clinical relevance of the axilla?

Answer 4

Lymph node biopsy= approx 75% of lymph drains in the axilla breast lymph nodes, and so these must be removed in the case of breast cancer and there is a risk of damage to the long thoracic nerve and therefore this could cause winging of the scapula