Dr. Sama ul Haque Dr. Rania Jabr

Objectives Define axilla. Give its boundaries and contents.

Axilla(Arm pit)

AXILLA A pyramid-shaped. it is a space between the upper part of the arm and the side of the chest Transmit major neurovascular structures between neck & thorax and upper limbs. Axilla has an apex, a base and four walls.

Axilla is a space 4 Sided pyramid Apex connected to the neck=Inlet Base Arm pit= Outlet Anterior wall Posterior wall Medial wall Lateral wall

Apex directed upward. called Cervicoaxillary canal. Boundaries: Clavicle anteriorly. Upper border of the scapula posteriorly. Outer border of the first rib medially. 1 C L R A I V B I C E L

Base Formed of Axillary fascia and Skin of the arm pit

Anterior wall Pectoralis major Pectoralis minor Subclavius muscles Clavipectoral fascia

Posterior wall Subscapularis. Latissimus dorsi. Teres major muscles.

Upper 4-5 ribs & Intercostal muscles . Medial wall Serratus anterior. Upper 4-5 ribs & Intercostal muscles .

Bicepital groove of the humerus. Lateral wall Coracobrachialis. Biceps brachii. Bicepital groove of the humerus.

Contents of the axilla Cords and branches of the brachial plexus Axillary a. & v. Cords and branches of the brachial plexus Axillary artery and its branches. Axillary vein and its tributaries. Axillary lymph nodes. Axillary lymphatic vessels Axillary fat. Loose connective tissue. Axillary sheath Brachial plexus

Posterior wall Lateral wall Medial wall Anterior wall