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Pectoral region and axilla

Left axilla (continued); relations of structures in posterior part of axillary fossa

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Image #90-5
Bassett Image
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Pectoral region and axilla
Left axilla (continued); relations of structures in posterior part of axillary fossa
The structures in the posterior part of the axilla have been exposed and are shown in relation to vessels and nerves already encountered. A distinct fascial lamina (21) is present in the cleft between the serratus anterior and subscapular muscles. Each of these muscles is also covered by its own fascia.
  1. Suprascapular nerve
  2. Subscapular nerve
  3. Posterior cord of brachial plexus
  4. Lateral cord of brachial plexus
  5. Anterior lateral thoracic nerve
  6. Upper pointer: Thoracoacromial artery (cut off) Lower pointer: Anterior medial thoracic nerve
  7. Upper pointer: Communicating loop between medial and lateral anterior thoracic nerves Lower pointer: Supreme thoracic artery
  8. Axillary artery and vein
  9. Intercostobrachial nerve
  10. Biceps brachii muscle (short head)
  11. Axillary nerve
  12. Musculocutaneous nerve
  13. Medial and lateral heads of median nerve
  14. Lateral thoracic artery
  15. Lymph vessel
  16. Upper pointer: Subscapular artery (accompanied by subscapular vein) Lower pointer: Teres major muscle (covered by fascia)
  17. Thoracodorsal nerve
  18. Axillary lymph nodes (lateral group)
  19. Long thoracic nerve
  20. Latissimus dorsi muscle
  21. Fascial layer (see text above)