AXILLARY FOSSA Meaning and
Definition
-
The axillary fossa, also known as the armpit or the axilla, is a hollow and concave region found underneath the joint between the upper arm and the shoulder. It is situated on both sides of the human body, between the uppermost part of the arm and the medial edge of the scapula (shoulder blade).
The axillary fossa is shaped like a pyramidal cavity and contains various structures such as muscles, blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, and adipose tissue. It serves as a gateway that connects the upper limb to the rest of the body.
The muscles located in the axillary fossa include the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and teres major muscles. These muscles help in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder joint. Additionally, various blood vessels such as the axillary artery and vein can be found in this region, supplying blood to the upper limb.
Lymph nodes found in the axillary fossa play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, filtering lymph fluid and helping the immune system to fight infections. Multiple nerves also pass through this area, such as the brachial plexus, which provides motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb.
From a clinical perspective, the axillary fossa is an important site for the examination of breast health and lymph node evaluation in cases of suspected breast cancer metastasis. Furthermore, it serves as a common location for the administration of vaccines and medications due to the accessibility of the subcutaneous tissue.
-
The armpit, the hollow beneath the shoulder.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AXILLARY FOSSA
- zxillary fossa
- sxillary fossa
- wxillary fossa
- qxillary fossa
- azillary fossa
- acillary fossa
- adillary fossa
- asillary fossa
- axullary fossa
- axjllary fossa
- axkllary fossa
- axollary fossa
- ax9llary fossa
- ax8llary fossa
- axiklary fossa
- axiplary fossa
- axiolary fossa
- axilkary fossa
- axilpary fossa
Etymology of AXILLARY FOSSA
The etymology of the word "axillary" can be traced back to Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "axilla", meaning "armpit". The term "fossa" also comes from Latin, which means "a pit or hollow". Therefore, the term "axillary fossa" refers to the armpit hollow or the space in the armpit region.
Similar spelling words for AXILLARY FOSSA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
