Axilla

 

 

Boundaries

Anteriorly:

• Pectoralis major.
• Pectoralis minor.
• Clavipectoral fascia.

Posteriorly:

• Subscapularis
• Teres major.
• Latissimus dorsi.

Laterally:

• Coracobrachialis
• Short head of Biceps.
• Upper part of humerus.

Medially:

• Upper four ribs with their intercostals muscles.
• Upper part of serratus anterior muscle.

Base: It is formed by the skin and fascia.

Apex: It is directed upwards and medially towards the neck.

It is bounded by:

In front: By posterior surface of clavicle.

Behind: By superior border of scapula.

Medially: By outer border of first rib.

Contents:

• Axillary artery & its branches.
• Axillary vein & its tributaries.
• Lower part of brachial plexus & its infraclavicular branches.
• Lateral cutaneous branches of 2nd & 3rd intercostals nerve.
• Terminal part of cephalic vein.
• Long thoracic nerve.
• Five groups of axillary lymph nodes and lymph vessels.
• Axillary fat.