UNIT 1: axilla

Question 1

where is the axilla and what is its function?

Answer 1

provides passageway for vessels/nerves going to and from upper limb
- armpit

Question 2

what forms the apex?

Answer 2

cervico-axillary canal - bounded by 1st rib, clavicle & superior edge of scapula

Question 3

what forms the lateral wall?

Answer 3

bicipital groove of humerus

Question 4

what forms the medial wall?

Answer 4

thoracic wall/ serratus anterior

Question 5

what forms the anterior wall?

Answer 5

pectoralis major/minor

Question 6

what forms the posterior wall?

Answer 6

anterior side =scapula /subscapularis

inferior = teres major/ latissimus dorsi

Question 7

where are the axillary folds found?

Answer 7

inferior most of walls of anterior (lateral edge of pec major) and posterior (lateral edge of latissimus dorsi)

Question 8

what forms the base?

Answer 8

• concave skin/ subcutaneous tissue/ deep fascia

Question 9

where does the axillary artery start/end?

Answer 9

starts at lateral margin of first rib

ends at inferior border of teres major

Question 10

what are the three parts of the axillary artery?

Answer 10

1) lateral border of 1st rib to medial border of pec minor
- 1 branch: superior thoracic artery
2) medial to lateral border of pec minor
- 2 branches: thoraco-acromial artery/ lateral thoracic artery
3) lateral border of pec minor to inferior border of teres major
- 3 branches: subscapular artery/ anterior and posterior circumflex arteries