Questions and Answers
Which direction do structures exit from the axilla to reach the pectoral region?
Which of the following structures exits from the axilla to the upper limb?
What structure is not associated with the exit paths of the axilla?
Which describes an exit direction from the axilla to the thoracic wall?
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Which of the following is primarily responsible for the medial exit direction from the axilla?
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What shape does the axilla have?
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Which nerve is NOT typically considered part of the neurovascular structures in the axilla?
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Why is the axilla significant during a breast exam?
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Which of the following nodes is located in the axilla?
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Which of the following structures is NOT found in the passageway from the neck to the arm through the axilla?
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What is the axilla primarily a passageway for?
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What is the primary function of the axillary lymph nodes?
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How many groups are the axillary lymph nodes arranged into?
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What is the destination of lymph drained from the axillary lymph nodes?
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Which of the following groups is NOT one of the four primary groups of axillary lymph nodes?
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Which portion drained by the axillary lymph nodes is specifically emphasized?
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What is the main component forming the apex of the axilla?
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Which muscles form the posterior wall of the axilla?
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What is the primary nerve associated with the axilla?
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Which structure is NOT a component of the axilla's contents?
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What is a common clinical procedure involving the axilla?
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What might an injury to the axillary nerve result in?
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Which of the following correctly describes the base of the axilla?
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An axillary artery aneurysm could lead to which of the following symptoms?
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What bony structures are primarily associated with the superior border of the scapula?
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What is the primary tissue covering the axilla?
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Which structure is least associated with the axilla's anatomical boundaries?
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Which anatomical region does the axillary fascia primarily contribute to?
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What anatomical feature is located superior to the axilla?
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Which of the following structures forms the apex of the axilla?
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What structures contribute to the medial wall of the axilla?
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Which of the following options is primarily associated with the lateral wall of the axilla?
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Which ribs form the medial wall of the axilla?
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Which structure is NOT a component of the lateral wall of the axilla?
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Which muscle forms the anterior wall of the axilla?
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What structure is located posteriorly in the axilla?
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Which ribs contribute to the medial wall of the axilla?
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What is contained within the axillary region?
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Which muscle is NOT part of the axilla's anterior wall?
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What is another name for the Process of Spence?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the Process of Spence?
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Where is the axillary tail located?
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What anatomical significance does the Process of Spence have?
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Which of the following best describes the entry of the Process of Spence?
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What type of sheath encloses the axillary artery and vein?
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Which of the following best describes the origin of the axillary sheath?
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What other structures are contained within the axillary sheath alongside the axillary artery and vein?
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Which statement accurately describes the axillary artery's location?
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The axillary sheath primarily serves to house which of the following structures?
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What is the only branch arising from the axillary artery between the lateral border of the 1st rib and the medial border of pectoralis minor?
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Which arteries are classified as branches of the axillary artery posterior to the pectoralis minor?
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Which artery supplies the breast among the branches of the axillary artery?
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Which of the following arteries is NOT a branch when moving from the lateral border of pectoralis minor to the inferior border of teres major?
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How many branches are present in the segment from the lateral border of pectoralis minor to the inferior border of teres major?
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Which artery is primarily responsible for providing an alternative blood supply to the upper limb in case of disruption?
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Which artery branches into the lateral thoracic artery?
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What anatomical feature is described by the connection of multiple arteries around the shoulder region?
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Which artery is NOT listed as a branch of the humeral artery?
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Which branch of the humeral artery primarily supplies blood to the subscapular region?
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How do the branches of the humeral artery collectively assist in upper limb perfusion?
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At which anatomical landmark does the axillary artery become the brachial artery?
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Which artery can be palpated at the location where the axillary artery becomes the brachial artery?
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Which of the following arteries is NOT associated with the region where the axillary artery becomes the brachial artery?
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What is the anatomical significance of palpating the brachial pulse?
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Which of the following branches is primarily associated with the axillary artery's passage?
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What is true about the superficial venous network in the upper limb?
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Which vein has a shape that can vary among individuals?
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Where does the superficial venous network of the upper limb become more constant?
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What characterizes the axillary vein compared to the cephalic vein?
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Which statement accurately describes the relationship of lymph vessels in the upper limb?
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What structure does the axillary vein continue as?
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Where does the axillary vein begin?
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What vein does the axillary vein primarily continue from?
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Which vein is located laterally in relation to the axillary vein?
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Which anatomical structure can be found at the termination point of the axillary vein?
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Study Notes
Axilla Overview
- The axilla serves as a critical passage for various structures entering from the root of the neck.
Exit Directions
- Structures exit the axilla in multiple directions:
- Anteriorly: Moves towards the pectoral region.
- Inferiorly and laterally: Extends towards the upper limb.
- Posteriorly: Directed towards the scapula.
- Inferiorly and medially: Approaches the thoracic wall.
Key Muscles Involved
- The exit route inferiorly and medially to the thoracic wall involves important muscles:
- Serratus anterior: Located laterally against the thoracic wall, plays a role in scapular movement.
- Latissimus dorsi: Situated more medially, involved in arm extension and rotation.
Axilla Overview
- Located between the arm and thorax, inferior to the glenohumeral joint.
- Has a pyramidal shape which contributes to its functional role.
- Serves as a critical passageway for neurovascular structures linking the neck and the arm.
Importance in Medicine
- A common site for lymph node metastasis, especially related to breast cancer.
- Examination of axillary lymph nodes is crucial during breast cancer screening to assess potential spread.
Key Neurovascular Structures
- Axillary Artery: Major blood supply to the area.
- Axillary Nerve: Supplies the shoulder.
- Brachial Plexus: Contains cords (Lateral, Posterior, Medial) supplying the arm.
- Deep Artery of the Arm: Contributes to blood supply in the arm.
- Radial Nerve: Innervates muscles in the posterior arm and forearm.
- Brachial Artery: Main artery supplying the arm.
- Median Nerve: Sensory and motor functions in the forearm and hand.
- Musculocutaneous Nerve: Supplies the anterior compartment of the arm; continues as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm.
- Ulnar Nerve: Innervates muscles in the forearm and hand.
Lymph Nodes in the Axilla
- Cervical Axillary Canal: Connects cervical lymphatics to axillary nodes.
- Subclavian Lymphatic Trunk: Drains lymph from the upper limb and thorax.
- Apical Nodes: Located at the superior aspect of the axilla, important in cancer staging.
- Supraclavicular Nodes: Positioned above the clavicle, involved in advanced breast cancer treatment assessment.
- Central Nodes: Located in the central axilla, filter lymph from surrounding nodes.
- Subscapular Nodes: Found along the subscapular artery, part of the axillary node group.
- Pectoral Nodes: Located medial to the axillary artery, associated with breast drainage.
- Humeral (Lateral) Nodes: Positioned laterally in the axilla, drain lymph from the arm's lateral aspect.
- Base of Axilla: The inferior limit of the axillary space, important for anatomy of surgical approaches.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
- Responsible for lymph drainage from the upper limb and parts of the thoracic wall, including the breast.
- Comprised of five distinct groups for organization.
- Lymph from these nodes drains into the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Key Components of Axillary Lymphatic System
- Subclavian lymphatic trunk: Major lymphatic vessel collecting lymph from the axilla region.
- Right venous angle: Junction where lymph from the subclavian trunk enters the venous system.
- Cervicaoxillary canal: Pathway facilitating lymphatic flow from the axillary area to cervical lymphatics.
- Supraclavicular nodes: Nodes located above the clavicle, receiving lymph from the axillary region.
- Apical nodes: Topmost group of axillary nodes, essential for lymphatic drainage.
- Central nodes: Intermediate nodes that play a critical role in processing lymph before it moves further.
- Subscapular (posterior) nodes: Situated at the back of the axila, draining lymph from posterior aspects.
- Pectoral (anterior) nodes: Located at the front of the axilla, involved in drainage from the anterior thorax.
- Humeral (lateral) nodes: Positioned laterally in the axilla, draining lymph from the upper limb.
- Base of axilla: A region where various lymph nodes converge, playing a vital role in lymphatic drainage.
Anatomy of the Axilla
- The axilla is a pyramidal space between the upper arm and the chest wall.
- Apex: Formed by the first rib, clavicle, and scapula; the narrowest part of the axilla.
- Base: Composed of skin and subcutaneous tissue overlying the region.
- Anterior wall: Made up of pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Posterior wall: Formed by subscapularis, teres major, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Medial wall: Includes the serratus anterior muscle.
- Lateral wall: Consists of the humerus and its associated muscles.
Contents of the Axilla
- Vascular Structures: Contains the axillary artery and vein.
- Nervous Supply: Axillary nerve is critical, innervating the deltoid and teres minor muscles.
- Lymphatics: Houses numerous lymph nodes, draining lymph from the arm, breast, and chest wall.
Clinical Significance
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Surgical removal of lymph nodes as a common treatment for breast cancer.
- Axillary Nerve Injury: Can occur due to shoulder trauma or humeral fractures, leading to deltoid and teres minor weakness with impaired shoulder abduction.
- Axillary Artery Aneurysm: Rare but serious condition causing arm pain, swelling, and numbness; potentially life-threatening.
Axilla Overview
- The axilla, commonly known as the armpit, is a pyramidal space located between the arm and thorax, situated inferior to the glenohumeral joint.
- It serves as a crucial passageway for neurovascular structures connecting the neck and arm.
Structure and Boundaries
- Apex: Formed by the first rib, clavicle, and scapula, creating the narrowest part of the axilla.
- Base: Comprised of skin and subcutaneous tissue overlying the axilla.
- Anterior Wall: Formed by pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Posterior Wall: Composed of subscapularis, teres major, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Medial Wall: Constructed by the serratus anterior muscle.
- Lateral Wall: Formed by the humerus and muscles attaching to it.
Contents of the Axilla
- Contains crucial neurovascular structures:
- Arteries: Axillary artery, brachial artery, and deep artery of the arm.
- Nerves: Axillary nerve, radial nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve, and musculocutaneous nerve (continuing as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm).
- Abundant lymph nodes responsible for lymphatic drainage from the upper limb and portions of the thoracic wall, particularly the breast.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
- Organized into five groups that drain to supraclavicular nodes.
- Key types include apical, central, subscapular, pectoral, and humeral nodes.
- Critical for monitoring lymphatic spread, especially in breast cancer scenarios.
Clinical Significance
- Lymph Node Dissection: Common surgical procedure in breast cancer treatment to remove axillary lymph nodes.
- Nerve Injuries: Axillary nerve injury can lead to deltoid and teres minor weakness, affecting shoulder abduction. Common causes include shoulder trauma or humeral fractures.
- Aneurysm: An axillary artery aneurysm, though rare, poses serious health risks, potentially causing pain, swelling, numbness, and even life-threatening complications.
Importance in Breast Cancer
- The axilla is a prominent site for lymph node metastasis, making its examination essential during breast cancer screenings.
Axilla Overview
- The axilla, commonly known as the armpit, is a pyramidal space located between the arm and thorax, situated inferior to the glenohumeral joint.
- It serves as a crucial passageway for neurovascular structures connecting the neck and arm.
Structure and Boundaries
- Apex: Formed by the first rib, clavicle, and scapula, creating the narrowest part of the axilla.
- Base: Comprised of skin and subcutaneous tissue overlying the axilla.
- Anterior Wall: Formed by pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Posterior Wall: Composed of subscapularis, teres major, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Medial Wall: Constructed by the serratus anterior muscle.
- Lateral Wall: Formed by the humerus and muscles attaching to it.
Contents of the Axilla
- Contains crucial neurovascular structures:
- Arteries: Axillary artery, brachial artery, and deep artery of the arm.
- Nerves: Axillary nerve, radial nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve, and musculocutaneous nerve (continuing as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm).
- Abundant lymph nodes responsible for lymphatic drainage from the upper limb and portions of the thoracic wall, particularly the breast.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
- Organized into five groups that drain to supraclavicular nodes.
- Key types include apical, central, subscapular, pectoral, and humeral nodes.
- Critical for monitoring lymphatic spread, especially in breast cancer scenarios.
Clinical Significance
- Lymph Node Dissection: Common surgical procedure in breast cancer treatment to remove axillary lymph nodes.
- Nerve Injuries: Axillary nerve injury can lead to deltoid and teres minor weakness, affecting shoulder abduction. Common causes include shoulder trauma or humeral fractures.
- Aneurysm: An axillary artery aneurysm, though rare, poses serious health risks, potentially causing pain, swelling, numbness, and even life-threatening complications.
Importance in Breast Cancer
- The axilla is a prominent site for lymph node metastasis, making its examination essential during breast cancer screenings.
Axilla Structure and Components
Anterior Boundaries
- Composed of pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles.
- Pectoralis major is a large muscle responsible for arm flexion, adduction, and internal rotation.
- Pectoralis minor is smaller, lying underneath the major, and plays a role in stabilizing the shoulder.
Medial Boundaries
- Formed by ribs 1-4 (potentially 5) along with the serratus anterior muscle.
- Serratus anterior is crucial for the movement of the scapula and lifting the arm above the head.
Posterior Boundaries
- Defined by the subscapularis muscle, which is part of the rotator cuff and helps to medially rotate the arm.
Contents of the Axilla
- Contains the axillary artery and vein, providing blood supply to the arm and draining it.
- Houses the brachial plexus, a network of nerves crucial for motor and sensory functions of the upper limb.
- Contains the humerus, the bone of the upper arm, which articulates with the scapula.
- Encloses the scapula, the shoulder blade that connects the humerus with the collarbone and helps in shoulder movement.
Axilla Overview
- Pyramidal space located between the upper arm and the thorax, inferior to the glenohumeral joint.
- Serves as a crucial passageway for neurovascular structures between the neck and arm.
- Important site for potential lymph node metastasis from breast cancer, necessitating lymph node checks during breast exams.
Structural Features
- Apex: Formed by the first rib, clavicle, and scapula.
- Base: Comprised of skin and subcutaneous tissues overlying the axilla.
- Anterior Wall: Formed by pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Posterior Wall: Composed of subscapularis, teres major, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Medial Wall: Built by the serratus anterior muscle.
- Lateral Wall: Formed by the humerus and associated muscles.
Key Contents
- Contains axillary artery, axillary vein, and multiple nerves including the axillary nerve supplying the deltoid and teres minor muscles.
- Houses numerous lymph nodes that drain lymph from the upper limb, breast, and thoracic wall, classified into five groups.
- Lymphatic drainage from axillary nodes proceeds to supraclavicular nodes.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes arranged in five groups: apical, central, subscapular, pectoral, and humeral (lateral) nodes.
- Receives lymph from the upper limb and thoracic wall, especially the breast.
Clinical Significance
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Surgical removal often performed during breast cancer treatment.
- Axillary Nerve Injury: Can occur due to trauma or humeral fractures, leading to deltoid and teres minor weakness.
- Axillary Artery Aneurysm: Rare but serious condition causing pain, swelling, and potential arm numbness.
Additional Anatomical Details
- Axillary Sheath: A thin fascial sheath that encompasses the axillary artery, vein, and brachial plexus branches.
- Process of Spence: Also known as axillary tail, extends into the axilla.
Axilla Anatomy Overview
- Extends from the lateral border of the 1st rib to the medial border of the pectoralis minor.
- Contains a critical vascular branch: the superior thoracic artery.
Branches Behind Pectoralis Minor
- Located posterior to the pectoralis minor with two key arteries:
-
Thoraco-acromial artery: Branches into four segments
- Pectoral, clavicular, acromial, and deltoid branches, supplying respective regions.
- Lateral thoracic artery: Primarily supplies the breast tissue.
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Thoraco-acromial artery: Branches into four segments
Axillary Region Lower Limitation
- Extends from the lateral border of pectoralis minor to the inferior border of teres major.
- Comprises three vital branches:
- Subscapular artery: Supplies blood to the subscapularis and posterior shoulder area.
- Anterior circumflex humeral artery: Circulates around the humerus anteriorly, involved in shoulder blood supply.
- Posterior circumflex humeral artery: Circulates around the humerus posteriorly, plays a role in shoulder joint vascularization.
Axilla Overview
- Located between the arm and thorax, below the glenohumeral joint.
- Serves as a passageway for neurovascular structures connecting the neck with the arm.
- Characterized by a pyramidal shape, crucial for understanding anatomical relations.
Structural Exits
- Anteriorly towards the pectoral region.
- Inferiorly and laterally to the upper limb.
- Posteriorly towards the scapula.
- Inferiorly and medially towards the thoracic wall, involving the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles.
Clinical Significance
- Common site for lymph node metastasis, particularly from breast cancer.
- Important to examine axillary lymph nodes during breast examinations.
Neurovascular Structures
- Contains the axillary artery and nerve.
- Houses cords of the brachial plexus: lateral, posterior, and medial.
- Includes major arteries like deep artery of arm, radial artery, and brachial artery.
- Contains significant nerves, including median, musculocutaneous, and ulnar nerves.
Lymph Nodes in the Axilla
- Axillary lymph nodes are critical for draining lymph from the upper limb and portions of the thoracic wall, especially breast tissue.
- Organized into five main groups that drain into supraclavicular nodes.
Axillary Anatomy
- Apex: Formed by the first rib, clavicle, and scapula.
- Base: Skin and subcutaneous tissues over the axilla.
- Anterior Wall: Comprised of pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Posterior Wall: Formed by subscapularis, teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Medial Wall: Made by the serratus anterior muscle.
- Lateral Wall: Includes the humerus and associated muscles.
Important Structures
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Axillary Artery: Key vessel in the axilla with three segments:
- Part 1: Superior thoracic artery from the lateral border of the 1st rib to the medial border of pectoralis minor.
- Part 2: Thoraco-acromial artery (with branches for pectoral, clavicular, acromial, and deltoid) and lateral thoracic artery, both posterior to pectoralis minor.
- Part 3: Subscapular artery, anterior circumflex humeral artery, and posterior circumflex humeral artery, extending to the inferior border of teres major.
Clinical Procedures
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes, commonly performed in breast cancer treatment.
- Axillary Nerve Injury: Can result from shoulder trauma, leading to weakness in shoulder abduction due to deltoid and teres minor muscle dysfunction.
- Axillary Artery Aneurysm: Rare but can cause significant arm pain, swelling, and potential life-threatening complications.
Additional Notes
- Process of Spence (or axillary tail) enters the axilla, influencing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- The axillary sheath encloses the axillary artery, vein, and brachial plexus, highlighting the area’s importance in surgical and medical contexts.
Humeral Artery Overview
- The humeral artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the shoulder and upper limb.
- It has several main branches that ensure adequate blood flow to this region.
Key Branches of the Humeral Artery
- Posterior circumflex humeral artery: Supplies the shoulder joint and deltoid muscle.
- Anterior circumflex humeral artery: Assists in blood supply to the anterior shoulder region.
- Circumflex scapular artery: Provides blood to the scapula and surrounding areas.
- Subscapular artery: Supplies the subscapularis muscle and adjacent regions.
- Thoracodorsal artery: Delivers blood to the latissimus dorsi muscle.
- Lateral thoracic artery: Supplies the lateral aspect of the thorax, including the serratus anterior muscle.
- Brachial artery: Main artery of the arm, continuing from the humeral artery.
- Profunda brachii artery: Supplies the muscles in the arm, particularly the triceps.
Branch Connections and Anastomosis
- The humeral artery features numerous branches that connect to provide alternative routes for blood flow.
- Anastomosis occurs around the shoulder area, which facilitates collateral circulation.
- These connections ensure that if the main artery experiences disruption, the upper limb can still receive adequate blood supply.
Additional Branches and Their Locations
- Thyrocervical trunk: Branch of the subclavian artery supplying the neck and shoulder.
- Vertebral artery: Supplies blood to the brain, branching from the subclavian artery.
- Common carotid artery: Supplies blood to the head and neck.
- Subclavian artery: Major artery that supplies blood to the upper limb.
- Brachiocephalic trunk: Supplies the right arm and head region.
- Internal thoracic artery: Supplies blood to the chest wall and breasts.
- Axillary artery: Major vessel supplying the upper limb, brachial artery continuation.
- Superior thoracic artery: Supplies the upper thoracic region.
- Thoracoacromial artery: Supplies the shoulder and upper chest area, branching off the axillary artery.
- Pectoral branch: Supplies the pectoral muscles.
- Pectoralis minor: A muscle that receives supply from the pectoral branch, vital for shoulder movement.
Axillary Artery Overview
- Transitions to the brachial artery at the teres major muscle.
- Brachial pulse can be palpated at the junction of the axillary and brachial arteries.
Anatomical Features
- Anatomical diagram illustrates the arteries and muscles of the shoulder and upper arm.
- Key arteries labeled in the diagram include:
- Posterior circumflex humeral artery
- Circumflex scapular artery
- Subscapular artery
- Anterior circumflex humeral artery
- Profunda brachii artery
- Lateral thoracic artery
- Suprascapular artery
Muscular Structures
- Diagram also highlights important muscles:
- Latissimus dorsi
- Triceps brachii (long head)
- Scalene muscles
Palpation Demonstration
- A hand in the diagram demonstrates palpation of the brachial artery.
- A yellow arrow indicates the precise location where the brachial artery can be felt.
Significance
- Understanding the anatomy of the axillary and brachial arteries is essential for clinical assessments and interventions.
Lymph Vessels and Nodes of Upper Limb
- Lymph vessels are closely associated with venous structures, facilitating drainage.
- The superficial venous network consists of:
- Dorsal aspect (dorsum) of the hand.
- Palmar aspect (palm) of the hand.
- The network is highly variable among individuals, leading to no consistent venous structures.
- Consistency in the venous network increases at the cubital fossa, an important anatomical landmark.
Veins
- Axillary vein: Conveys blood from the upper limb to the central circulatory system.
- Cephalic vein: A prominent superficial vein that often drains into the axillary vein.
- Basilic vein: Another major superficial vein located in the forearm, usually joining the brachial vein.
- Median cubital vein: Connects the cephalic and basilic veins; its shape can vary significantly, appearing as 'H', 'N', or 'W' in different individuals.
Axilla Overview
- The axilla is a pyramidal space located between the arm and thorax, inferior to the glenohumeral joint.
- Serves as a key passageway for neurovascular structures connecting the neck and arm.
Anatomical Boundaries
- Apex: Formed by the first rib, clavicle, and scapula.
- Base: Composed of skin and subcutaneous tissue covering the axilla.
- Anterior Wall: Comprised of pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Posterior Wall: Formed by subscapularis, teres major, and latissimus dorsi.
- Medial Wall: Created by the serratus anterior muscle.
- Lateral Wall: Formed by the humerus and associated muscles.
Neural and Vascular Structures
- Contains significant blood vessels such as the axillary artery and vein, as well as major nerves including the axillary nerve and branches of the brachial plexus.
- The axillary artery transitions into the brachial artery at the inferior border of teres major, where the brachial pulse can be palpated.
Axillary Lymph Nodes
- Axillary lymph nodes drain lymph from the upper limb, thoracic wall, and breast, arranged in five groups.
- Key groups include supraclavicular nodes, apical nodes, central nodes, subscapular nodes, pectoral nodes, and humeral nodes.
Clinical Significance
- Axillary lymph node dissection: Surgical removal of nodes commonly performed as treatment for breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of lymphatic assessment during breast exams.
- Axillary nerve injury: Potential injury from shoulder trauma or humeral fractures leading to deltoid and teres minor weakness, affecting shoulder abduction.
- Axillary artery aneurysm: Rare but serious condition that can manifest as arm pain, swelling, and numbness, with potential life-threatening implications.
Blood Supply
- The axillary artery has three segments, each with distinct branches supplying various structures:
- Part 1: Superior thoracic artery (1 branch).
- Part 2: Thoraco-acromial artery and lateral thoracic artery (2 branches).
- Part 3: Subscapular artery, anterior circumflex humeral artery, and posterior circumflex humeral artery (3 branches).
Veins of the Axilla
- Major veins include the axillary vein, cephalic vein, basilic vein, and median cubital vein, with variations in the median cubital's formation.
- The basilic vein becomes the axillary vein and continues as the subclavian vein at the lateral border of the first rib.
Important Anatomical Features
- The Process of Spence, an axillary tail of breast tissue, enters into the axilla, imparting clinical relevance in breast examinations.
- The axilla contains a high density of lymph nodes, integral for the immune response and monitoring metastatic disease, particularly from breast cancer.
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Description
This quiz covers the anatomy of the axilla, including its role as a passage for structures and the key muscles involved in its exit routes. Understand the directional exits and the functions of muscles like the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi. Test your knowledge on this critical area in human anatomy.
