Vasculature and Lymphatics

Where does the axillary artery begin?

At the lateral border of the first rib

Which muscle divides the axillary artery into three parts?

Pectoralis major

What important branches arise from the third part of the axillary artery?

Subscapular artery and circumflex humeral arteries

Which arteries form an anastomosis around the scapula?

Subclavian and axillary artery branches

What artery does the axillary artery become after the lower border of teres major?

Brachial artery

Where is the common site for taking blood pressure in the upper limb?

Brachial artery above the cubital fossa

Which vein is most commonly used for venous blood sampling?

Median cubital vein

What is true about veins compared to arteries in the upper limb?

Veins are always variable and have valves

The lateral thoracic artery mainly supplies which structure?

Breast

What is the primary function of the lymphatic system in the upper limb?

Drain superfluous fluid and participate in immune defense

In which direction does lymph generally flow in the upper limb?

From the hand up towards the axilla

What anatomical structures help propel lymph through lymphatic vessels?

Muscle compressions and valves within lymphatic vessels

Why is it difficult to see lymphatic vessels during dissection?

they are very small and transparent

Where are lymph nodes commonly found in the upper limb?

In the cubital fossa and especially the axilla

What happens to the number and size of lymphatic vessels as they move from the hand to the axilla?

Number decreases and size increases

What is lymphangitis?

Inflammation of lymphatic vessels, often due to infection

What clinical sign might you see in lymphangitis?

Red inflammation tracking along the lymph vessels

What is lymphedema?

Swelling due to accumulation of lymph fluid, often after lymph node removal

Why does lymphedema commonly occur after radical breast surgery?

Removal of axillary lymph nodes blocks lymph drainage from the arm

What modern surgical technique helps to reduce unnecessary lymph node removal?

Sentinel node lymph biopsy

In which other limb region are lymph nodes commonly visible during dissection?

Groin

What role do lymph nodes play in the immune defense mechanism?

Filter lymph and house lymphoid tissue to fight infection