Special Areas of the Upper Limb

Triangle of Auscultation

A small triangular gap between the trapezius (medial border), the medial border of the scapula (lateral border), and the latissimus dorsi muscle (inferior border).

Cubital Fossa

A gap in the arm that serves as a space to harbor nerves and vessels, with Pronator Teres m. serving as the medial border, the Brachioradialis m. serving as the lateral border, and an imaginary line drawn between the medial and lateral epicondyles of our humerus serving as the superior border.

We also have a floor for the cubital fossa, made of the brachialis m, and supinator m.

Contents (TAN*)

T - endon (The tendon of Biceps Brachii m.)

A - rtery (Brachial Artery)

N - erve (Median Nerve)

* - Median Cubital Vein

Median Cubital Vein

The first choice for venipuncture due to its large size.

Sits on top of Pronator Teres

Carpal Tunnel

Structure (10) passing through

- (A) 4 tendons of flexor digitorum profundus m.

- (B) 4 tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis m.

- (C) Tendon of flexor pollicis longus m.

- (D) Median Nerve

Floor

- Comprised of the carpal bones

Roof

- Flexor Retinaculum

Comprised of a boney floor and a connective tissue structure that makes the roof

Flexor Retinaculum

A connective tissue structure that holds all of our tendons in place working as a pulley to make sure they don't protrude out.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Typically caused by swelling in the region, causing numbness and tingling in the lateral side of the hand as well as pinching of the muscles it innervates.

Anatomical Snuffbox

Area formed by the extensor tendons of the thumb comprised in between is the radial artery. Considered a good pulse point

Called the snuff box because people would put powder in the area for easy sniffing

In order to find you need to abduct and extend the thumb

Borders

- Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon

- Abductor p

Arteries

Carrying blood away from the heart.

Veins

Carrying blood to the heart.

Blood Supply to the Upper Limbs

Right Side: Left Ventricle, Ascending Aorta, Aortic Arch,

(A) - Aortic Arch

(B) - Brachiocephalic Artery

(C) - L. Common Carotid Artery

(S) - Left Subclavian Artery

Brachiocephalic Artery

The first major branch off of the aortic arch supplying the head and arm blood.

Which branches into two more branching into the right subclavian artery to supply the arm with blood and the right common carotid artery to supply the head with blood.

Left Common Carotid Artery

Supplies the left side of the head and neck with blood, also the (C) in "ABCS"

Left Subclavian Artery

Third Branch of the Aortic arch that distributes blood to the left arm.