Axillary space

Structure

Axilla

The true axilla is a conical space with its apex at the Cervico-axillary Canal, Base at the axillary fascia and skin of the armpit. When viewed in an axillary plane (axillary cut), it is more triangle with: Medial Wall: Serratus Anterior, Anterior Wall: pectoral muscles, Posterior Wall: subscapularis muscle, where the "apex" of the triangle is the humerus

Quadrangular space

This space is in the posterior wall of the axilla. It is a quadrangular space bounded laterally by surgical neck of the humerus, medially by long head of triceps brachii and inferiorly by teres major. It is bounded superiorly by subscapularis in front, capsule of the shoulder joint in the middle, and behind by teres minor. The axillary nerve and posterior humeral circumflex artery and vein pass through this space.

Triangular space

This space (sin. medial triangular space) is also in the posterior wall of the axilla. It is a triangular space bounded medially by teres minor, laterally by long head of triceps brachii, and inferiorly by teres major. The scapular circumflex artery and scapular circumflex vein pass through this space.

Triangular interval

This space (a.k.a. lateral triangular space) is in the inferior to the posterior wall of the axilla. The triangular interval is bounded medially by long head of triceps brachii, laterally by medial border of humerus (some say the lateral head of the triceps), and superiorly by teres major. The radial nerve and profunda brachii artery and vein passes through this space.

References

References

1. (2006). "Surgery of the breast: principles and art". Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2. "Shoulder, axilla, and brachial plexus – Knowledge for medical students and physicians".
3. (2010). "BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy (Regional and Applied Dissection and Clinical) Volume 1 - Upper limb and thorax". CBS Publishers and Distributors Pvt Ltd.
4. "Axillary Space Exploration and Resections".
5. "Anatomy of the Axilla Dr Rania Gabr. - ppt video online download".