Axilla Anatomy Overview
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Questions and Answers

Where is the main body of the mammary gland located?

  • In the axillary region
  • In the deep fascia of the thoracic wall
  • In the superficial fascia over the chest wall (correct)
  • Underneath the pectoralis major muscle

    • What does the axillary process refer to?

  • The part of the breast extending towards the armpit (correct)
  • A specific type of breast tissue
  • The outer layer of the breast
  • The area where lymph nodes are concentrated

    • Why is the axillary process significant in medical contexts?

  • It can complicate surgical procedures
  • It contains intercostal muscles
  • It is a common site for infections
  • It may harbor breast tissue relevant for cancer diagnosis (correct)

    • Which lymph nodes primarily drain lymph from the medial quadrants of the breast?

    <p>Internal thoracic nodes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can the extension of the axillary process reach?

    <p>Into deeper layers of the fascia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a mass was fixed to the underlying tissue, which muscle would be involved?

    <p>Pectoralis major (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between the axillary process and breast cancer?

    <p>It is involved in the drainage pathways to lymph nodes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anatomical structure helps form all plexuses in the body?

    <p>Ventral rami of spinal nerves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve passes posterior to the axillary artery?

    <p>Radial nerve (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the anatomical configuration of the lateral cord?

    <p>M shape (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which division is NOT part of the posterior divisions?

    <p>Anterior trunk (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the orientation of the anterior division of the upper trunk?

    <p>Lateral (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following nerves is associated with the upper trunk?

    <p>Median nerve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the anterior division of the lower trunk?

    <p>It is part of the brachial plexus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is associated with the posterior cord?

    <p>Cervico-axillary canal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which roots correspond to the medial cord?

    <p>C7, C8, T1 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Mammary Gland Location

    The main part of the mammary gland is in the superficial fascia over the chest wall.

    Axillary Process of Breast

    Part of the breast that extends towards the armpit (axilla) along the lower edge of the pectoralis major muscle.

    Pectoralis major muscle and Axillary Process

    The axillary process may extend around the pectoralis major muscle and penetrate deeper tissue.

    Breast Lymphatic Drainage (medials)

    Lymphatic fluid from the medial quadrants of the breast drains to internal thoracic nodes.

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    Breast Lymphatic Drainage (laterals)

    Lymphatic fluid from the upper lateral quadrant of the breast drains to anterior axillary lymph nodes.

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    Swollen Axillary Nodes (Cancer)

    Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) can indicate breast cancer.

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    Brachial Plexus

    A network of nerves in the shoulder region that provides nerves to the arm.

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    Lymph Node Drainage Significance

    Understanding lymphatic drainage of the breast is crucial in diagnosing and treating breast cancer, as it helps identify the path of cancer spread.

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    Anterior divisions of upper and middle trunk

    Part of the brachial plexus responsible for nerves in the upper arm.

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    Anterior division of lower trunk

    Part of the brachial plexus affecting nerves in the lower section of the arm.

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    Posterior divisions of the brachial plexus

    Part of the brachial plexus controlling nerves in the posterior arm, including the back of the arm and shoulder.

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    Axillary nerve pathway

    Description of the nerve's positioning to the axillary artery

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    Lateral cord

    A major part of the brachial plexus, contributing to the nerves of the outer upper arm.

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    Posterior cord

    Part of brachial plexus affecting nerves on back in arm.

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    Radial nerve location

    The radial nerve passes posterior to the axillary artery.

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    Study Notes

    Axilla

    • Pyramid-shaped space for nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels
    • Contains major vessels, nerves, and lymphatics of the upper limb
    • Contains axillary lymph nodes
    • Contains axillary processes of the breast
    • Contains proximal parts of biceps and coracobrachialis muscles
    • Has an apex (upper end) and a base (lower end)

    Axillary Artery

    • Continuation of the subclavian artery
    • Divides into three branches:
      • Superior thoracic artery
      • Lateral thoracic artery
      • Anterior
      • Lateral
      • Medial/Posterior
      • branches for the breast

    Axillary Vein

    • Continuation of the basilic vein
    • Passes through the medial and anterior to the axillary artery
    • Becomes the subclavian vein
    • Has tributaries (smaller veins)
    • Collects blood from the arm and upper extremities

    Axillary Lymph Nodes

    • Collect lymph from the upper limb, lower neck, upper back, chest (upper abdominal wall), and breast
    • Divided into 5 groups based on location:
      • Humeral (lateral)
      • Pectoral (anterior)
      • Central
      • Subscapular (posterior)
      • Apical

    Brachial Plexus

    • Network of nerves formed by ventral rami of spinal nerves C5-T1
    • Divided into roots, trunks, divisions, and cords
    • Roots: spinal nerves C5-T1
    • Trunks:
      • Superior trunk
      • Middle trunk
      • Inferior trunk
    • Divisions:
      • Anterior divisions
      • Posterior divisions
    • Cords:
      • Lateral cord
      • Medial cord
      • Posterior cord
    • Branches:
      • Musculocutaneous nerve
      • Median nerve
      • Axillary nerve
      • Radial nerve
      • Ulnar nerve

    Axillary Process of the Breast

    • Extension of the mammary gland along the inferior margin of the pectoralis major muscle towards the axilla.
    • Can sometimes pass around the margin of this muscle to penetrate the deep fascia and enter the axilla. This process rarely reaches the apex of the axilla.
    • Important because it contains breast tissue and is close to lymph nodes in the armpit; both relevant to breast cancer spread.

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    Mammary Gland Anatomy PDF

    Description

    Explore the anatomical features of the axilla, including its major nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic structures. This quiz covers the axillary artery, vein, and lymph nodes, providing insight into their functions and connections in the upper limb. Perfect for students of anatomy and healthcare professionals.

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