Week 2 Flashcards
Which border of the axilla is the pectoralis major part of?
Pectoralis major makes up most of the anterior wall
Which border of the axilla is the serratus anterior part of?
Medial wall
What forms the apex of the axilla? What is its importance?
The clavicle, first rib and the scapula. Structures passing into the upper limb from the thorax usually do so through the apex of the axilla
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
The space between the clavicle and the first rib can become narrowed, and the vessels and nerves that pass through may become compressed
What can cause thoracic outlet syndrome?
Trauma (fractured clavicle) and repetitive use (lifting occupations etc)
How does thoracic outlet syndrome present?
Pain in the affected limb (where the pain is depends on the nerves affected), tingling, muscle weakness and discolouration
What forms the lateral wall of the axilla?
The intertubecular groove of the humerus and tendon of the long head of the biceps
What forms the medial wall of the axilla?
The serratus anterior and thoracic wall (ribs and intercostal muscles)
What forms the anterior wall of the axilla?
The pectoralis major, underlying pectoralis minor and the subclavius muscle
What forms the posterior wall of the axilla?
The subscapularis, teres major and latissimus dorsi
Name the vascular, muscular and lymph contents of the axilla?
The axillary artery and axillary vein, biceps brachii and coracobrachialis tendons, and the axillary lymph nodes
What are the two largest tributaries of the axillary vein?
The cephalic and basilic veins
What are the three parts of the axillary artery? What are their positions?
One medial to the pectoralis minor, one posterior to the pectoralis minor, and one lateral to the pectoralis minor; the medial and posterior parts travel in the axilla
Where does the majority of the lymph from the breast drain?
Into the axillary lymph nodes; they can be biopsied if breast cancer is suspected
What is axillary clearance? What can be damaged during the procedure?
The removal of the axillary lymph nodes; this is may be performed in patients with breast cancer, to prevent its spread. The long thoracic nerve may be damaged
What are the five parts of the brachial plexus?
Roots, trunks, divisions, cords, branches
Which rami form the roots of the brachial plexus?
Anterior rami of cervical nerves 5, 6, 7, and 8, and the first thoracic nerve, T1
What are the trunks of the brachial plexus? Which roots supply each trunk?
Superior (C5 and C6), middle (C7), and inferior (C8 and T1)
What are the three cords of the brachial plexus?
Lateral, posterior, and medial
Which divisions form the lateral cord of the brachial plexus?
Anterior superior, and anterior middle
Which divisions form the posterior cord of the brachial plexus?
Posterior superior, posterior middle, and posterior inferior
Which divisions form the medial cord of the brachial plexus?
Anterior inferior