Axillary space

The axillary spaces are anatomic spaces.^[1] through which axillary contents leave the axilla.^[2] They consist of the quadrangular space, triangular space, and triangular interval. It is bounded by teres major, teres minor, medial border of the humerus, and long head of triceps brachii.^[3]

Axillary space
Axillary Spaces
Details
Function	Anatomic space through which contents leave the axilla.
Identifiers
Latin	spatium axillare
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

They should not be confused with the true "axillary space" within the borders of the axilla.

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^[4][5]

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.^[3]

Triangular space

This 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.^[3]

Triangular interval

This 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.^[3]

References

1. Scott L. Spear; Shawna C. Willey (2006). Surgery of the breast: principles and art. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 131–. ISBN 978-0-7817-4756-1. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
2. "Shoulder, axilla, and brachial plexus – Knowledge for medical students and physicians". www.amboss.com. Archived from the original on 2020-01-01. Retrieved 2020-01-01.
3. Krishna, Garg (2010). "7 - Scapula". BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy (Regional and Applied Dissection and Clinical) Volume 1 - Upper limb and thorax (Fifth ed.). India: CBS Publishers and Distributors Pvt Ltd. pp. 81, 82. ISBN 978-81-239-1863-1.
4. "Axillary Space Exploration and Resections" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-04-03. Retrieved 2020-01-01.
5. "Anatomy of the Axilla Dr Rania Gabr. - ppt video online download". slideplayer.com. Retrieved 2020-01-01.

External links

• Dissector Answers - Axilla & Arm
• http://sarcoma.org/publications/OTOS_Book/13282_ON-13.pdf. This article defines the true "axillary space" in relation to Axillary Space Exploration and Resections.