Cubital fossa

Cubital fossa
Ulnar and radial arteries. Deep view.
Details
Identifiers
Latinfossa cubitalis
TA98A01.2.07.010
TA2291
FMA39848
Anatomical terminology

The cubital fossa, chelidon, or elbow pit, is the triangular area on the anterior side of the upper limb between the arm and forearm of a human or other hominid animals. It lies anteriorly to the elbow (Latin cubitus) when in standard anatomical position.

Boundaries

  • superior (proximal) boundary – an imaginary horizontal line connecting the medial epicondyle of the humerus to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus
  • medial (ulnar) boundary – lateral border of pronator teres muscle originating from the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
  • lateral (radial) boundary – medial border of brachioradialis muscle[1] originating from the lateral supraepicondylar ridge of the humerus.
  • apex – it is directed inferiorly, and is formed by the meeting point of the lateral and medial boundaries
  • superficial boundary (roof) – skin, superficial fascia containing the median cubital vein, the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm and the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm, deep fascia reinforced by the bicipital aponeurosis (a sheet of tendon-like material that arises from the tendon of the biceps brachii)
  • deep boundary (floor) – brachialis and supinator muscles

Contents

The cubital fossa contains four main vertical structures (from lateral to medial):

The ulnar nerve is also in the area, but is not in the cubital fossa; it occupies a groove on the posterior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Several veins are also in the area (for example, the median cubital vein, cephalic vein, and basilic vein) but these are usually considered superficial to the cubital fossa, and not part of its contents.

From lateral to medial, the order of the contents within the cubital fossa can be described by the acronym TAN: tendon, artery, nerve

Clinical aspects

A sample of blood being taken from the median cubital vein via the cubital fossa with a vacutainer for a blood test.

Like other flexion surfaces of large joints (groin, popliteal fossa, armpit and essentially the anterior part of the neck), it is an area where blood vessels and nerves pass relatively superficially, and with an increased amount of lymph nodes.

During blood pressure measurements, the stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa. The artery runs medial to the biceps tendon. The brachial pulse may be palpated in the cubital fossa just medial to the tendon.

The area just superficial to the cubital fossa is often used for venous access (phlebotomy) in procedures such as injections and obtaining samples for blood tests. A number of superficial veins can cross this region. It may also be used for the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.

Historically, when (venous) blood-letting was practiced, the bicipital aponeurosis (the ceiling of the cubital fossa) was known as the "grace of God" tendon because it protected the more important contents of the fossa (i.e. the brachial artery and the median nerve).

Statistically, the antecubital fossa is the least tender region for peripheral intravenous access, although it provides a greater risk for venous thrombosis.

Additional images

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Chapter 9: THE ARM AND ELBOW". Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  2. ↑ MedicalMnemonics.com: 1271 45 631 1283
  3. ↑ lesson4cubitalfossa at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)
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