Upper Limb Flashcards
What is the axilla?
The axilla is the pyramidal space below the shoulder joint.
What forms the anterior wall of the axilla?
pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles
What forms the posterior wall of the axilla?
latissimus dorsi muscle
What forms the medial wall of the axilla?
thoracic wall and serratus anterior muscle
What forms the lateral wall of the axilla?
intertubercular sulcus of the humerus
What forms the apex of the axilla?
the cervio-axillary canal
List the contents of the axilla.
- Axillary artery and branches
- Axillary vein and tributaries
- Nerves of cords
- Branches of brachial plexus
- Lymphatic vessels
- Axillary lymph nodes
From which artery is the axillary artery a continuation?
the subclavian
Where does the axillary artey begin and end?
begins at lateral border of 1st rib
ends at inferior border of teres major
What forms the brachial plexus?
the ventral rami of C5-T1
What are the roots of the brachial plexus?
- C5-T1
What is the cause of Erb’s palsy?
Hyper-extension of the head from the shoulder
What forms the superior trunk?
C5 and C6
What forms the middle trunk?
C7
What forms the inferior trunk?
C8 and T1
What forms the lateral cord?
superior and middle trunks
What forms the posterior cord?
superior, middle and inferior trunks
What forms the medial cord?
inferior trunk
Which nerve(s) originate from the lateral cord?
musculocutaneous nerve
median nerve
Which nerve(s) originate from the posterior cord?
radial nerve
axillary nerve
Which nerve(s) originate from the medial cord?
median nerve
ulnar nerve
Why are the brachial plexus cords named as they are?
due to their position in relation to the axillary artery.
In which dermatome is your thumb?
C6
In which dermatome is your little finger?
C8
Name the two groups of nodes that an infection in the arm or chest may drain into.
axillary
internal thoracic
