Download cubital fossa

Cubital Fossa
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lecture, the student
should be able to:
o Study the boundaries, contents and relationship
among structures of cubital fossa.
o Surface anatomy of the cubital fossa.
o Clinical importance of the cubital fossa.
Cubital Fossa
Lecture Outline:
INTRODUCTION:

The cubital fossa is a triangular hollow area that lies in front
of the elbow joint.
BOUNDARIES OF CUBITAL FOSSA:
It is bounded:
 Superiorly by an imaginary line connecting the medial and
lateral epicondyles.
 Medially by the pronator teres muscle.
 Laterally by the brachioradialis muscle.
Floor:
o Its floor is formed of the brachialis and supinator muscles
overlying the capsule of the elbow joint.
Roof:
o The deep fascia of the forearm forms its roof, which is
strengthened by fibres of the bicipital aponeurosis.
o Lying on the roof in the superficial fascia are the anterior
branches of the medial and lateral cutaneous nerves of the
forearm and the median cubital vein, which joins the cephalic
and basilic veins.
CONTENTS OF CUBITAL FOSSA
The contents of the fossa from medial to lateral are:
•
Median nerve
•
Brachial artery and its terminal branches, the radial and
ulnar arteries
•
Biceps tendon and bicipital aponeurosis (which separates
the median cubital vein from the brachial artery)
•
Radial and posterior interosseous nerves, which are often
overlapped by the fibres of brachioradialis
Surface Anatomy Of Cubital Fossa:
Quick Review Of Cubital Fossa
CLINICAL ASPECT OF CUBITAL FOSSA
 The cephalic, basilic and median cubital veins are usually
easily seen and palpated in the roof of the fossa, and this is
therefore a common site for venepuncture.
 It is worth noting that variations in venous anatomy at this site are
common . The use of the cubital fossa for intravenous fluid
therapy is not recommended because movement of the elbow
joint disturbs the cannula and irritates the vein wall with the
consequence that thrombosis of the vein quickly occurs.
 The sphygmomanometer cuff is applied proximal to the base of it
and the diaphragm of the stethoscope is placed over it to
meassure the blood pressure of the individual.
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