Anatomical Areas

Overview

The upper limb contains numerous defined regions that serve as passageways for neurovascular structures and guide clinical examination. This section introduces the major anatomical areas including the axilla, cubital fossa, carpal tunnel and other important spaces that connect different compartments of the limb.

Key Structures

Articles describe the boundaries, contents and surface anatomy of key regions such as the axilla, triangular spaces, cubital fossa, and the anatomical snuffbox. Each topic is supported by diagrams to help learners visualise three-dimensional relationships and understand how these regions link the shoulder, arm, forearm and hand.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

A clear grasp of these anatomical areas is essential for interpreting neurovascular compression, trauma and surgical access routes. Learners can apply this knowledge to procedures such as venepuncture, nerve block placement and examination of peripheral pulses.

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Diagram illustrating the contents of the quadrangular space, highlighting the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.

The Quadrangular Space

Diagram illustrating the borders of the triangular interval.

The Triangular Interval

Diagram illustrating the circumflex scapular artery passing through the triangular space into the posterior scapular region.

The Triangular Space

Transverse section of the axilla region highlighting its borders.

The Axilla Region

Illustration of the cubital fossa, a triangular depression on the anterior elbow.

The Cubital Fossa

Anatomical illustration of the elbow and forearm showing the ulnar nerve passing through the ulnar tunnel between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris, with the nerve marked as inflamed.

The Ulnar Tunnel

Transverse section of the carpal tunnel, illustrating its contents and borders.

The Carpal Tunnel

Diagram illustrating the extensor tendon compartments of the wrist.

The Extensor Tendon Compartments of the Wrist

Illustration of the tendinous borders of the anatomical snuffbox, highlighting key tendons.

The Anatomical Snuffbox

Illustration of the palm showing the borders of the ulnar canal, including the pisiform, hook of hamate, palmar carpal ligament, flexor retinaculum, and ulnar nerve.

The Ulnar (Guyon’s) Canal

Popular

Overview of the anatomical course of the facial nerve (CN VII).
The Cranial Nerves

The Facial Nerve (CN VII)

by Liam Curry

Illustration showing the deep branch of the radial nerve piercing the supinator muscle, identified as the posterior interosseous nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Posterior Interosseous Nerve

by Dr Oliver Jones

Lateral view of the deep structures of the pharynx, highlighting the circular muscles and stylopharyngeus.
Encyclopaedia

Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor

by Max Bidewell