Anatomy: Axilla, Cubital Fossa, Deltoid, and Specialized Organs

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering major anatomical structures, nerves, vessels, and clinical correlations from the upper limb, thorax, and lungs based on lecture notes.

Axilla

A pyramidal-shaped space situated between the upper limb and the thoracic wall that acts as a passage for neurovascular structures.

Cervicoaxillary canal (Apex)

The upward-directed opening of the axilla bounded by the clavicle anteriorly, the first rib medially, and the superior border of the scapula posteriorly.

Axillary artery

The continuation of the subclavian artery that begins at the lateral border of the first rib and ends at the lower border of the teres major, where it becomes the brachial artery.

Axillary vein

A vessel formed by the union of the basilic vein and brachial veins, lying medial to the axillary artery.

Axillary lymph nodes

Lymphatic structures divided into five groups (Anterior/pectoral, Posterior/subscapular, Lateral, Central, and Apical) that are clinically important in breast carcinoma.

Cubital fossa

A triangular depression on the anterior aspect of the elbow serving as a passageway for nerves, arteries, and veins.

Median cubital vein

A vein located in the superficial fascia of the cubital fossa, commonly used as a site for venepuncture.

Biceps brachii tendon

The structure in the cubital fossa that attaches to the radial tuberosity and is tapped to test $C5-C6$ spinal nerves.

Deltoid

A large, triangular, multipennate muscle forming the shoulder contour that performs abduction of the arm from $15^{\circ}$ to $90^{\circ}$.

Axillary nerve ($C5$, $C6$)

The nerve that passes through the quadrangular space to supply the deltoid; its injury can result in deltoid atrophy and a flattened shoulder appearance.

Mammary gland

A specialized exocrine sweat gland located in the superficial fascia of the anterior thoracic wall between the $2nd$ and $6th$ ribs.

Tail of Spence

The axillary tail of the mammary gland that extends towards the axilla.

Suspensory (Cooper’s) ligaments

Connective tissue bands that support the structure of the breast.

Retromammary space

The potential space located posterior to the mammary gland and anterior to the pectoralis major that allows free movement of the breast.

Rotator cuff

A group of four muscles (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, and Subscapularis) and their tendons that stabilize the glenohumeral joint.

Supraspinatus

A rotator cuff muscle originating in the supraspinous fossa of the scapula that initiates abduction of the arm for the first $0-15^{\circ}$.

Median nerve

A major nerve of the upper limb formed by the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus ($C5-T1$) that passes through the carpal tunnel.

Hand of Benediction

A clinical sign resulting from median nerve injury at the elbow, characterized by an inability to flex the lateral fingers.

Elbow joint

A hinge-type (ginglymus) synovial joint consisting of the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and proximal radioulnar articulations.

Annular ligament

A ligament that encircles the head of the radius to stabilize the proximal radioulnar joint.

Serratus anterior

A fan-shaped muscle originating from the upper $8-9$ ribs that performs scapular protraction and stabilization.

Long thoracic nerve ($C5-C7$)

The nerve supplying the serratus anterior; injury to this nerve causes "winged scapula."

Nutrient Artery

The primary source of blood for the bone diaphysis, supplying the inner two-thirds of the cortex and bone marrow.

Volkmann’s canals

Channels through which periosteal arteries enter the outer third of the cortical bone.

Hilum (Lung)

The area on the mediastinal surface of the lung where the bronchi, pulmonary vessels, lymphatics, and nerves enter or leave.

Bronchopulmonary segments

Functionally independent units of the lung supplied by a tertiary bronchus and branch of the pulmonary artery, of which there are $10$ in the right lung.

Horizontal fissure

The fissure in the right lung that separates the superior and middle lobes.