axillary nerve course with what artery

What is the axillary nerve?

The axillary nerve is a major peripheral nerve of the upper limb. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the axillary nerve – its anatomical course, motor and sensory functions, and any clinical correlations.

Which branch of the axillary nerve is sensory?

Sensory Functions. The sensory component of the axillary nerve is delivered via its posterior terminal branch. After the posterior terminal branch of the axillary nerve has innervated the teres minor, it continues as the upper lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm.

What nerves pass through the quadrangular space?

The axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery and vein pass through the quadrangular space. These structures can be compressed as a result of trauma, muscle hypertrophy or space occupying lesion; resulting in weakness of the deltoid and teres minor. This is particularly common in athletes who perform overhead activities.

What are the motor functions of the deltoid and teres minor muscles?

Motor functions – the deltoid and teres minor muscles will be affected, rendering the patient unable to abduct the affected limb. Sensory functions – the upper lateral cutaneous nerve of arm will be affected, resulting in loss of sensation over the inferior deltoid (‘regimental badge area’).

What nerves affect the arm?

Sensory functions - the upper lateral cutaneous nerve of arm will be affected, resulting in loss of sensation over the inferior deltoid (‘regimental badge area’).

What happens if you have axillary nerve damage?

In a patient with axillary nerve damage, sensation at the regimental badge area may be impaired or absent. The patient may also report paraesthesia (pins and needles) in the distribution of the axillary nerve.

Which nerve is responsible for innervation of the deltoid muscle?

The axillary nerve then passes medially to the surgical neck of the humerus, where it divides into three terminal branches: Posterior terminal branch – provides motor innervation to the posterior aspect of the deltoid muscle and teres minor.

What is the axillary artery?

Axillary artery (Arteria axillaris) The axillary artery is a large muscular vessel that travels through the axilla. It is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the upper limb, as well as to parts of the musculocutaneous system of the scapula and upper lateral thorax .

Which artery is the first branch of the axillary artery?

Superior thoracic artery. The superior (highest) thoracic artery is the first branch of the axillary artery. It is given off proximal to the outer border of the anterior scalene muscle. It forms part of the arterial supply to the pectoral muscles .

How many parts does the axillary artery have?

As it passes through the axilla, the artery is divided into three parts by pectoralis minor, as the muscle travels superolaterally from its origin at the 3rd, 4th and 5th ribs to its insertion on the medial aspect of the coracoid process. Conveniently, each segment gives off a corresponding number of branches.

Which artery travels inferomedially along the inferior margin of the pectoralis minor muscle?

Lateral thoracic arter y. The other branch of the second part of the axillary artery is the lateral thoracic artery. It travels inferomedially along the inferior margin of pectoralis minor muscle . The lateral thoracic artery carries oxygenated blood for the structures of the thoracic wall: serratus anterior.

Which artery gives rise to two vessels?

Thoracoacromial artery. The second part of the axillary artery gives rise to two vessels. The thoracoacromial (acromiothoracic) artery is a primary trunk that gives rise to four other arteries.

Which artery is more easily palpated in the concavity of the axilla?

As a result of this attachment, the axillary artery is more easily palpated in the concavity of the axilla when the arm is adducted (close to the midline of the body) and the suspensory ligaments are relaxed, than when it is abducted (away from the midline of the body) and the suspensory ligaments are taut.

Which artery leaves the first segment above?

One branch leaves the first segment above, two branches from the second segment beneath and three branches leave the third segment below (all relative to pectoralis minor). While exiting the axilla, the axillary artery changes its name at the lower border of teres major and continues in the arm as the brachial artery .

Where does the axillary nerve originate?

The axillary nerve or the circumflex nerve is a nerve of the human body, that originates from the brachial plexus ( upper trunk, posterior division, posterior cord) at the level of the axilla (armpit) and carries nerve fibers from C5 and C6. The axillary nerve travels through the quadrangular space with the posterior circumflex humeral artery ...

What is the function of the axillary nerve?

Function. The axillary nerve supplies three muscles in the arm: deltoid (a muscle of the shoulder), triceps (long head) and teres minor (one of the rotator cuff muscles). The axillary nerve also carries sensory information from the shoulder joint.

What is the name of the nerve that is located in the upper trunk of the body?

(Axillary nerve is visible in gray near center.) The suprascapular, axillary, and radial nerves. (Axillary labeled at upper right.) The axillary nerve or the circumflex nerve is a nerve of the human body, that originates from the brachial plexus ( upper trunk, posterior division, posterior cord) at the level of the axilla (armpit) ...

What is an axillary nerve injury?

The axillary nerve may be injured in anterior-inferior dislocations of the shoulder joint, compression of the axilla with a crutch or fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus . An example of injury to the axillary nerve includes axillary nerve palsy. Injury to the nerve results in:

Which nerve wraps around the humerus?

The posterior cord of the brachial plexus splits inferiorly to the glenohumeral joint giving rise to the axillary nerve which wraps around the surgical neck of the humerus, and the radial nerve which wraps around the humerus anteriorly and descends along its lateral border.

Where is the humeral nerve located?

The nerve lies at first behind the axillary artery, and in front of the subscapularis, and passes downward to the lower border of that muscle. It then winds from anterior to posterior around the neck of the humerus, in company with the posterior humeral circumflex artery, through the quadrangular space (bounded above by the teres minor, ...

Which branch of the cutaneous nerve supplies the teres minor?

The posterior branch (lower branch) supplies the teres minor and the posterior part of the deltoid. The posterior branch pierces the deep fascia and continues as the superior (or upper) lateral cutaneous nerve of arm, which sweeps around the posterior border of the deltoid and supplies the skin over the lower two-thirds of the posterior part ...

Overview

Structure

Function

Clinical significance

See also

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