View source for Axilla

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{{Dictionary
|eng=Axilla
|lat=Fossa axillaris
}}


'''<big>Axilla</big>'''

The axilla is the area that lies underneath the glenohumeral joint. It serves as a passageway for neurovascular and muscular structures to enter and leave the upper limb.

== Boundaries of axilla ==

[[File:Gray411.gif|thumb|Axilla]]
The anterior wall - pectorales [[Pectoralis Major|major]] and [[Pectoralis Minor|minor]].

The posterior wall - [[subscapularis]] above, the [[Teres Major|teres major]] and [[latissimus dorsi]] below.

Medial wall - first four ribs with their corresponding [[intercostales]], and part of the [[serratus anterior]].

Lateral wall - [[humerus]], the [[coracobrachialis]], and the [[biceps brachii]]. 

Apex (axillary inlet)- it is formed by lateral border of the first rib, superior border of scapula, and the posterior border of the clavicle.

The apex decreases in size  when the arm is fully abducted – leaving the contents of the axilla at risk of compression.
== Contents ==

[[File:Gray523.gif|thumb|Content of axilla]]

* Axillary artery (and branches) – the main artery supplying the upper limb.

* Axillary vein (and tributaries) ''–'' the main vein draining the upper limb with cephalic and basilic veins as its tributaries.
* Brachial plexus (and branches)
* Axillary lymph nodes – drains lymphatic fluid that has drained from the upper limb and pectoral region.

* Biceps brachii (short head) and coracobrachialis

===== ''<u>Clinical significance</u>'' includes thoracic outlet syndrome, lymph node dissection for breast cancer staging diagnosis and treatment and chest drain insertion. =====
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== Links ==
=== External links ===
* [http://home.comcast.net/~wnor/lesson3axilla.htm lesson3axilla] at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
* teachmeanatomy.info/upper-limb/areas/axilla/
=== Bibliography ===
* {{Cite
| type = book
| surname1 = Petrovicky
| name1 = Pavel
| others = yes
| title = Anatomie s topografií a klinickými aplikacemi
| subtitle = Sv. 1, Pohybové ústrojí 
| edition = 1
| location = Martin
| publisher = Osveta
| year = 2001
| range = 463
| isbn = 80-8063-046-1
}}
</noinclude>

[[Category:Anatomy]]