Anatomy of Upper Limb: Axilla & Its Contents

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to the anatomy of the axilla and its contents based on the lecture notes.

Axilla

The armpit area that serves as a gateway between the neck and the arm.

Clavipectoral fascia

A thick sheet of connective tissue connecting the clavicle to the axillary fascia, enclosing muscles and structures.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)

A condition caused by compression of neurovascular structures as they pass from the neck to the armpit.

Pectoralis major

A major muscle of the anterior wall of the axilla involved in arm movements.

Anterior axillary fold

Formed by the lower margin of the pectoralis major muscle.

Posterior axillary fold

Formed by the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles.

Medial wall of axilla

Composed of the upper thoracic wall, serratus anterior muscle, and long thoracic nerve.

Lateral wall of axilla

Formed by the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus and attachments of the pectoralis major.

Long thoracic nerve

A nerve that supplies the serratus anterior muscle, important for scapular movement.

Axillary content

Includes axillary fat, axillary artery, axillary vein, lymph nodes, and branches of the brachial plexus.

Subscapularis muscle

Part of the posterior wall of the axilla, involved in shoulder stabilization and rotation.

Latissimus dorsi

A posterior axillary wall muscle responsible for adduction and medial rotation of the arm.

Cephalic vein

A vein that passes between the subclavius and pectoralis minor muscles in the clavipectoral fascia.

Clinical correlation for TOS

Involves different symptoms based on compressed structures, like pain or numbness from brachial plexus compression.

Brachial plexus

A network of nerves that supply the upper limb, passing through the axilla.

Serratus anterior muscle

Responsible for the protraction and upward rotation of the scapula.