The axilla Flashcards Preview

Musculoskeletal System > The axilla > Flashcards

Flashcards in The axilla Deck (29)
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0
Q

What are the contents of the axilla?

A
  • Brachial Plexus
  • Axillary artery
  • Axillary vein
  • Lymph nodes
  • Tendons of Biceps Brachii and Coracobrachialis
1
Q

What is the purpose of the axilla?

A

-To allow passage of vessels and nerves into the upper limb

2
Q

Where does the axillary artery arise from?

A

-It is a continuation of the subclavian artery which becomes axillary upon passing beneath the calvicle

3
Q

What does the axillary artery become?

A

-The brachial artery as it descends into the arm

4
Q

What is the main branch of the brachial artery in the arm?

A

-Profunda Brachii

5
Q

What artery branches off the axillary artery within the axilla?

A

-Posterior circumflex

6
Q

What is the axillary sheath?

A

-Fascia which encloses the axillary artery and vein and nerves

7
Q

What is the main vein draining the upper limb?

A

-Axillary vein

8
Q

What does the axillary vein drain into?

A

-The subclavian vein

9
Q

Which two veins mainly make the axillary vein?

A

-The cephalic and basilic veins

10
Q

What makes the lateral wall of the axilla?

A

-Intertubecular sculus/groove

11
Q

What makes the anterior wall of the axilla?

A
  • Pec major
  • Pec minor
  • Subclavius
12
Q

What makes the medial border of the axilla?

A
  • Upper thoracic ribs and intercostal muscles

- Serratus anterior

13
Q

What makes the posterior border of the axilla?

A
  • Subscapularis
  • Teres major
  • Latissimus Dorsi
14
Q

What makes the apex/inlet of the axilla?

A

-Between the coracoid process, posterior border of clavicle and the 1st rib

15
Q

What is the main route of exit out of the axilla?

A

-Inferiorly

16
Q

What is the quadrangular space?

A

-An exit from the axilla providing access to the posterior shoulder and arm

17
Q

What structures leave the axilla through the quadrangular triangle?

A
  • Axillary nerve

- Posterior circumflex artery

18
Q

What is the clavipectoral triangle?

A

-Gap in the anterior wall of the axilla providing access to the anterior arm and pectoral region

19
Q

What structures enter/leave the axilla in the clavipectoral triangle?

A
  • Cephalic vein enters

- Medial and lateral pectoral nerves leave

20
Q

What is axillary clearance?

A

-Removal of all the lymph nodes in the axilla

21
Q

What is axillary clearance used for?

A

-Disease control in invasive breast cancer

22
Q

Why are the axillary lymph nodes frequent site for metasteses of breast cancer?

A

-75% of breast lymph drains here

23
Q

What nerve is possibly damaged during axillary clearance?

A

-Long thoracic nerve

24
Q

What is lymphangitis of the upper limb?

A

-Inflammation of the lymphatic channels of the upper limb

25
Q

What is the cause of lymphangitis?

A

-Infection at a distal site, often with strep pyogenes

26
Q

What are the symptoms of lymphangitis?

A
  • Rubor
  • Calor
  • Tumor
  • Dolor
27
Q

What is thoracic outlet syndrome?

A

-Muscle weakness, pain and paranthesia resulting from compression of vessels and nerves in the apex/inlet

28
Q

What are common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome?

A
  • Trauma eg fractured clavicle

- Repetitive strain ie occupations requiring lots of overhead lifting