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Topographic anatomy

Upper extremity

33 concise topics with breakdowns: definitions, key facts, and class questions.

This section is dedicated to the topographic anatomy and operative surgery of the upper extremity. Here, we systematically examine the layer-by-layer structure of all segments: from the subclavian, deltoid, and scapular regions to the fingertips.

The materials in this section provide a detailed breakdown of the topography of the shoulder and elbow joints, collateral circulation pathways of the shoulder girdle, and the arrangement of neurovascular bundles in the arm and forearm. Special attention is given to the complex anatomy of the hand—its palmar and dorsal surfaces, fascial spaces, and synovial sheaths.

In practical classes and examinations, examiners most frequently ask about the structure of the brachial plexus, the topography of axillary lymph nodes, and the projection lines of arteries. In the operative surgery block, key examination topics remain joint puncture techniques and the principles of treating purulent diseases of the hand (panaritium and phlegmon), where ignorance of anatomy leads to irreversible loss of hand function.

Section Topics

Infraclavicular regionRegio infraclavicularisAxillary regionRegio axillarisNeurovascular bundle of the axillary fossaThe neurovascular bundle of the axillary fossa is a critical complex of aBrachial plexus in the axillary regionPlexus brachialisAxillary lymph nodesNodi lymphatici axillaresScapular regionRegio scapularisDeltoid regionRegio deltoideaShoulder jointArticulatio humeriAnterior region of the armRegio brachii anteriorVessels and nerves of the anterior arm regionThe neurovascular structures of the anterior arm region include the brachialPosterior region of the armRegio brachii posteriorCubital regionRegio cubitalisElbow jointArticulatio cubitiAnterior region of the forearmRegio antebrachii anteriorVessels and nerves of the anterior forearm regionThree main neurovascular structures run along the anterior surface of the forearmPosterior region of the forearmRegio antebrachii posteriorAnterior wrist regionRegio carpi anteriorPosterior wrist regionRegio carpi posteriorPalmar surface of the handPalma manusDorsal surface of the handDorsum manusTopographic anatomy of the digits of the handDigiti manusPuncture of upper extremity jointsJoint puncture is an invasive procedure aimed at gaining access toPurulent diseases of the handPurulent diseases of the hand include acute inflammatory processes of the fingersCollateral circulation of the shoulder girdleRete scapulareHandManusAnterior cubital regionRegio cubiti anteriorPosterior cubital regionRegio cubiti posteriorCarpal regionRegio carpalisPalmPalma manusDorsum of the hand and digitsDorsum manus et digitiOperative surgery of the handOperative surgery of the hand focuses on the radical treatment of purulentBoundaries of anatomical regionsAn anatomical region is a body area with clearly defined boundariesTopographic anatomy of musclesThe topographic anatomy of muscles studies their spatial arrangement

Frequently asked questions for this section

What is Mohrenheim's fossa?

This is a synonym for the infraclavicular fossa (fossa infraclavicularis). It is located below the clavicle, between its lateral and middle thirds, and is bounded by the clavicular part of the pectoralis major muscle and the deltoid muscle.

In what position should the axillary lymph nodes be palpated?

Palpation is performed with the arm adducted so that the axillary fascia is relaxed. The exception is Sorgius' node, which is palpated when the patient's arm rests on the doctor's shoulder.

Which formation of the neurovascular bundle is the most superficial?

The most superficial element is the axillary vein (v. axillaris). It is located immediately beneath the clavipectoral fascia, always anterior and medial to the other structures of the bundle.

What structures form the branches of the long nerves of the upper limb?

The branches of the long nerves are formed exclusively from the three cords of the brachial plexus: medial, lateral, and posterior.

Where exactly is Zorgius' node located?

It is located at the level of the 3rd rib, situated beneath the edge of the pectoralis major muscle (m. pectoralis major).

Under what condition does the scapular collateral circulation circle function?

Blood flow blockage in the axillary artery must occur strictly superior (proximally) to the origin of the subscapular artery. Only in this case will blood bypass the obstruction.

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