Topic Overview

Viva Voce – Axilla, Axillary Artery & Vein, Brachial Plexus

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Axilla (Q1–15)

Q1. What is the shape of axilla?
→ Pyramidal.

Q2. What forms the apex of axilla?
→ Cervicoaxillary canal (clavicle, scapula, 1st rib).

Q3. What forms the base of axilla?
→ Skin, superficial fascia, axillary fascia.

Q4. What forms the anterior wall of axilla?
→ Pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, clavipectoral fascia.

Q5. What forms the posterior wall of axilla?
→ Subscapularis, teres major, latissimus dorsi.

Q6. What forms the medial wall of axilla?
→ Serratus anterior with ribs.

Q7. What forms the lateral wall of axilla?
→ Intertubercular sulcus of humerus.

Q8. What structure maintains hollow of axilla?
→ Suspensory ligament of axilla.

Q9. Name contents of axilla.
→ Axillary artery and vein, brachial plexus, lymph nodes, fat, intercostobrachial nerve.

Q10. Which lymph nodes drain most of the breast?
→ Pectoral (anterior) axillary nodes.

Q11. Which lymph nodes drain upper limb?
→ Humeral (lateral) group.

Q12. Which group of nodes receive lymph from back?
→ Subscapular group.

Q13. Which group of nodes receive lymph from all other groups?
→ Central nodes.

Q14. Where do apical nodes drain?
→ Subclavian lymph trunk → thoracic duct (left) / right lymphatic duct (right).

Q15. Which nerve is at risk during axillary clearance?
→ Long thoracic nerve (winged scapula if injured).

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Axillary Artery (Q16–25)

Q16. Origin of axillary artery?
→ Continuation of subclavian at outer border of 1st rib.

Q17. Termination of axillary artery?
→ Becomes brachial artery at lower border of teres major.

Q18. Which muscle divides it into 3 parts?
→ Pectoralis minor.

Q19. Branch of 1st part?
→ Superior thoracic artery.

Q20. Branches of 2nd part?
→ Thoracoacromial and lateral thoracic arteries.

Q21. Branches of 3rd part?
→ Subscapular, anterior circumflex humeral, posterior circumflex humeral.

Q22. Relation of cords to artery?
→ Lateral cord lateral, medial cord medial, posterior cord posterior.

Q23. Relation of vein to artery?
→ Axillary vein lies anteromedial.

Q24. Clinical importance of axillary artery compression?
→ Can be compressed against 1st rib to control limb hemorrhage.

Q25. Clinical importance of axillary artery aneurysm?
→ May compress brachial plexus → pain, paresthesia.

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Axillary Vein (Q26–30)

Q26. Formation of axillary vein?
→ Union of basilic vein and brachial veins at lower border of teres major.

Q27. Termination of axillary vein?
→ Becomes subclavian vein at outer border of 1st rib.

Q28. Important tributaries?
→ Cephalic vein, thoracoacromial vein, lateral thoracic vein, subscapular vein, circumflex humeral veins.

Q29. Clinical importance of axillary vein?
→ Used for central venous access; injury can cause severe bleeding or air embolism.

Q30. What syndrome involves effort thrombosis of axillary vein in athletes?
→ Paget–Schroetter syndrome.

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Brachial Plexus (Q31–50)

Q31. Root value of brachial plexus?
→ C5–T1.

Q32. How many trunks are formed?
→ 3: Upper, Middle, Lower.

Q33. Divisions of trunks?
→ Each → anterior and posterior (6 total).

Q34. How are cords named?
→ In relation to axillary artery.

Q35. Name 5 terminal branches.
→ Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Radial, Median, Ulnar.

Q36. Branches from roots?
→ Dorsal scapular, Long thoracic.

Q37. Branches from upper trunk?
→ Suprascapular, Nerve to subclavius.

Q38. Branches from lateral cord?
→ Musculocutaneous, Lateral pectoral, Lateral root of median.

Q39. Branches from medial cord?
→ Ulnar, Medial pectoral, Medial cutaneous nerves of arm & forearm, Medial root of median.

Q40. Branches from posterior cord?
→ Axillary, Radial, Upper & lower subscapular, Thoracodorsal.

Q41. Largest branch of plexus?
→ Radial nerve.

Q42. Which nerve supplies serratus anterior?
→ Long thoracic nerve.

Q43. Which nerve injury produces winged scapula?
→ Long thoracic nerve.

Q44. Which nerve supplies deltoid?
→ Axillary nerve.

Q45. Which nerve injury produces regimental badge anesthesia?
→ Axillary nerve.

Q46. Which nerve injury produces wrist drop?
→ Radial nerve.

Q47. Which nerve injury produces ape thumb deformity?
→ Median nerve.

Q48. Which nerve injury produces claw hand?
→ Ulnar nerve.

Q49. Erb’s palsy is due to injury of which trunk?
→ Upper trunk (C5–C6).

Q50. Klumpke’s palsy is due to injury of which trunk?
→ Lower trunk (C8–T1).