Editing Axilla (section)

== '''Nerves at risk during dissection:''' ==

=== '''Intercostobrachial''' ===

** Lateral cutaneous branch of      second intercostal nerve
** Emerges from second      intercostal space and crosses axilla, about 2cm inferior to axillary vein
** Supplies skin of axilla
** May be in contact with level      I nodes
** Thoracoepigastric vein      crosses the nerve vertically on its posterior aspect and aids in      identification
** Lateral cutaneous branch of      third intercostal space can also extend outwards into axilla sometimes

=== '''Thoracodorsal''' ===

** See above

=== '''Long     thoracic nerve''' ===

** Arises from posterior      aspects of C5, C6, C7.
** Unite into one nerve within      scalenus medius, emerges as a single trunk and passes down into axilla      (deep to serratus anterior fascia, posterior to midaxillary line)
** Usually appears from behind      axillary vein where that structure crosses the second rib
** Innervates serratus anterior      - fixes scapula to the chest wall during adduction of the shoulder and      extension of the arm
** Palsy results in winged      scapula deformity
** Usually found 8cm deep to      lateral edge of pectoralis minor
*



[[Category:Anatomy]]