The Axilla: Anatomy and Boundaries, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Medical Sciences

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Dr.Ilma Ahmad. MD

The axilla

pyramid-shaped

Definition: The

axilla

space

(armpit) is

a

between

the

upper part of the arm and the side of the

chest

Functions: It forms an important

passage for nerves, blood, and lymph

vessels as they travel from the root of the

neck to the upper limb.

Boundaries of the axilla

The axilla has an apex , base and 4 walls

(Anterior, posterior, medial and lateral walls)

Apex of the axilla

It is the upper end of the

axilla

It continues into the root

of the neck (posterior

triangle of the neck)

through the cervico-

axillary canal.

Boundraies of the

cervico-axillary canal

In front by the clavicle,

Behind by the upper

border of the scapula,

Medially by the outer

border of the first rib

Walls of the Axilla

The walls of the axilla are made up as follows:

Anterior wall: By the pectoralis major, subclavius, and pectoralis minor muscles.

Posterior wall: By the subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, and teres major muscles.

Anterior wall: By the pectoralis major,

subclavius, and pectoralis minor muscles, clavipectoral fascia.

SP DEPT OF ANATOMY AFMC 9

cervico axillary canal

Posterior wall: By the subscapularis, latissimus

dorsi, and teres major muscles.

Medial wall:

By the upper four or

five ribs and the

intercostal spaces

covered by the

serratus anterior

muscle

11

Base

• Concavity directed below
• Boundaries

Ant : anterior axillary fold

Post: posterior axillary fold

Medial: Chest wall

Lateral: arm

• Formed by: skin, superficial fasciae, & deep fascia
• Deep fascia : axillary fascia extending between Pectoralis

Major (ant fold) and Lat Dorsi & Teres Major (post fold)

• Supported by Suspensory lig of Axilla

Axillary Artery

Beginning: The axillary artery begins at the lateral

border of the first rib as a continuation of the

subclavian artery

Termination: at the lower border of the teres major

muscle, where it continues as the brachial artery.

The artery is closely related to the cords of the

brachial plexus and their branches and is enclosed

with them in a connective tissue sheath called the

axillary sheath. If this sheath is traced upward into

the root of the neck, it is seen to be continuous with

the prevertebral fascia

Parts of the axillary artery

The pectoralis minor

muscle crosses in front

of the axillary artery and

divides it into three parts:

First part above the

pectoralis minor muscle

Second part behind the

pectoralis minor muscle

Third part below the

pectoralis

minor muscle

First Part of the Axillary Artery

This extends from the lateral border of the first rib to the

upper border of the pectoralis minor.

Relations

Anteriorly: The pectoralis major and the skin.

Posteriorly: The long t

thoracic nerve (nerve to

the serratus anterior)

Laterally: The three cords

of the brachial plexus

Medially: The axillary vein