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Questions and Answers
What is the axilla?
What is the axilla?
What forms the medial boundary of the axilla?
What forms the medial boundary of the axilla?
What is one of the functions of the axilla?
What is one of the functions of the axilla?
What is contained in the axilla?
What is contained in the axilla?
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Why is axillary lymph node examination important?
Why is axillary lymph node examination important?
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What can result from axillary nerve damage?
What can result from axillary nerve damage?
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Study Notes
Definition and Location
- The axilla is the armpit or the hollow under the arm, specifically the region between the upper arm and the side of the chest.
- It is a triangular space formed by the thoracic wall, the humerus, and the scapula.
Boundaries
- Medial boundary: formed by the thoracic wall and the medial aspect of the upper arm
- Lateral boundary: formed by the humerus
- Anterior boundary: formed by the pectoralis major muscle
- Posterior boundary: formed by the subscapularis muscle and the teres major muscle
- Apex: formed by the convergence of the medial and lateral boundaries
- Base: formed by the thoracic wall
Contents
- Axillary artery and its branches
- Axillary vein and its tributaries
- Brachial plexus (nerves C5-T1)
- Axillary lymph nodes (20-40 nodes)
- Areolar tissue and fat
- Axillary hair
Functions
- Allows for mobility and flexibility of the shoulder joint
- Provides a pathway for nerves and blood vessels to the upper limb
- Houses lymph nodes that filter lymphatic fluid and aid in the immune response
- Supports the weight of the arm
Clinical Significance
- Axillary lymph node examination is important in cancer diagnosis and staging
- Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous lymph nodes
- Axillary nerve damage can result in weakened shoulder abduction and loss of sensation on the lateral arm
Axilla (Armpit) Anatomy
- The axilla is the triangular space between the upper arm and the side of the chest.
Boundaries
- Medial boundary: thoracic wall and medial aspect of the upper arm
- Lateral boundary: humerus
- Anterior boundary: pectoralis major muscle
- Posterior boundary: subscapularis muscle and teres major muscle
- Apex: convergence of medial and lateral boundaries
- Base: thoracic wall
Axilla Contents
- Axillary artery and its branches
- Axillary vein and its tributaries
- Brachial plexus (nerves C5-T1)
- Axillary lymph nodes (20-40 nodes)
- Areolar tissue and fat
- Axillary hair
Functions of the Axilla
- Allows for mobility and flexibility of the shoulder joint
- Provides a pathway for nerves and blood vessels to the upper limb
- Houses lymph nodes that filter lymphatic fluid and aid in the immune response
- Supports the weight of the arm
Clinical Significance
- Axillary lymph node examination is important in cancer diagnosis and staging
- Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous lymph nodes
- Axillary nerve damage can result in weakened shoulder abduction and loss of sensation on the lateral arm
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Description
Learn about the axilla, also known as the armpit, and its boundaries in the human body. Understand the triangular space formed by the thoracic wall, humerus, and scapula.
